Research Steering Group Opportunity: Improving early speech interventions for children born with a cleft palate
Researchers from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals are looking for participants to join their patient steering group looking to improve early speech interventions for children born with a cleft palate.
Information from the researchers:
We are looking for parents to join a Research Steering Group for an exciting PhD research project. The project aims to explore and evaluate ‘babble training’—a type of support offered by some NHS centres to help parents encourage early speech sounds (babbling) during everyday interactions with their baby.
At the moment, there is limited evidence to guide how babble training should be delivered, and approaches can vary widely across different centres.
This research will investigate how babble training is currently being offered, how effective it is, and how it can be improved. The ultimate goal is to create clear, evidence-based guidance to better support children born with cleft palate and their families.
By joining the steering group, you’ll play a vital role in shaping this research project.
Who can take part?
• Parents of children born with a cleft lip and/or palate of any age
You will:
• Help make sure the research focuses on what really matters to families.
• Guide the project to ask the right questions and include the right voices.
• Share your insights and experiences as a parent of a child born with cleft palate.
You don’t need any background in research—just a willingness to share your views and help make a difference.
How It Works:
• Meetings: 3–4 online meetings per year (each lasting up to 1 hour – dates TBC).
• Flexible involvement: Attend as many or as few meetings as you like—your input is valued at any level.
• Ways to contribute: Join group discussions or chat one-to-one, whichever feels more comfortable for you.
• Access options: Take part online, by phone, or in person if preferred.
• No long-term commitment: Join in when you can, with no pressure to stay involved throughout the whole project.
Please complete the form to join the group:
If you are unable to access the form, please contact the lead researcher on 07856933416 or at [email protected]
