I know from all the articles I receive that speech and language therapists put a great deal of thought, imagination and effort into providing the best possible service to clients in challenging circumstances, and that sharing their experience really inspires others. So I'm delighted that the Hello campaign is going to 'Shine a Light' on good practice for children and young people's communication with an extensive awards scheme.

The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists is sponsoring Team of the Year for speech and language therapists, and there are other categories for outstanding achievement, communication friendly establishments, other types of team, communication strategy, commissing and employee support. You might also want to have a think about potential candidates for the Hello Young Person of the Year Award, open to children and young people up to 19 years with speech, language and communication needs.

Sponsor Pearson Assessment says, "We encourage you to apply no matter what size and scale you are working at. If you think your work is special and making a tangible difference that you can evidence, we want to hear from you."

Hello is the national year of communication, a campaign to increase understanding of how important it is for children and young people to develop good communication skills. Wendy Lee, Professional Director for The Communication Trust, says the awards are intended to recognise inspiring work and "enthuse and spur on others who, through the national year of communication, are starting to tackle this subject head on in a range of ways – from small grassroots projects through to larger area-wide initiatives."

To enter, visit the Shine a Light 2011 Hello campaign awards site. Entries close on 15 July 2011.