North Bristol NHS Trust has launched a guide for parents based around Bristol Zoo’s Wow! Gorillas hunt in support of the “Hello” National Year of Communication.

The “Get Your Cheeky Monkeys Chatting” guide is being used to help inspire discussion and includes talking tips such as using lots of different words; picking up on items being pointed at; chatting about what gorillas like to do and ideas to follow-up when you get home.

In Bristol, by the age of five, most children achieve language skills appropriate for their age, but a minority demonstrate delayed language skills.

Nationally it’s estimated that 50 per cent of children in deprived areas have poor communication skills when starting school.
Poor language predicts poor literacy skills and vocabulary at five years old - and this in turn is a predictor of lower levels of attainment at school leaving age and beyond.

Speech and language therapist for North Bristol NHS Trust, Sarah Rowles, developed the Wow! Gorilla guide. Her colleague, Elaine Watson, said: "It is so important for parents to take an active part in developing their children's communication skills.
"We thought this guide was a great way to share ideas with parents to encourage them to chat with their children during the summer break.

"The gorilla hunt is really popular with Bristol families and creates opportunities to talk about lots of different things together.
"We are working to raise awareness of ‘Hello’, the National Year of Communication, because more than 1 million children and young people in the UK have difficulty with their communication skills.

"Parents can make a big difference to their child's language by using some of the tips in the guide."

NHS Bristol, Bristol City Council, North Bristol NHS Trust and other partners are supporting the Hello campaign throughout 2011.The campaign is organised nationally by The Communication Trust to increase understanding of how important it is for children and young people to develop good communication skills.