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Talking Walk-in Service

For pre-school aged children where there may be a concern about their speech, language or communication.

Talking Walk-ins Service logo showing speech bubblesWhat are Talking Walk-ins and who are they for?

Talking Walk-ins are:

  • Play-based drop-in sessions where you can speak to a Speech and Language Therapist, Family Hub worker or other staff.
  • For pre-school aged children where there may be a concern about their speech, language or communication.

You and your child will be able to play with the toys available while our therapy staff observe. You will be able to discuss your concerns with staff.

Talking Walk-ins provide you with advice or ideas to try at home. We may signpost you to other support within your local area or invite you to a follow-up with the speech and language therapy service.

Please note, if you do not have parental responsibility for the child you are bringing, please ensure you bring written consent from the person with parental responsibility. If we do not have this, we will be unable to see the child.

If our Speech and Language Therapy service is currently working with you and your child, please do not attend a Talking Walk-in. You can discuss questions and queries with the Speech and Language Therapist who is working with you.

How and when can you access a Talking Walk-in?

  • Drop in between 9.30 to 11.30am on the day these run.
  • There is no need to book, you can just turn up.

Where can you access a Talking Walk-in?

a toddler at a talking walk in session

Talking Walk-ins are held in Family Hubs in your local district. The information below provides details for your local area. If you can travel and there is a more convenient day, and your child is registered to a Kent GP, you are welcome to access these in any district.

Please check your local Family Hub timetable and Family Hub Facebook pages for the most up-to-date dates and times.

Talking Walk-ins do not run on Bank Holidays or between Christmas and New Year.

East Kent

Canterbury/ coastal
  • Wincheap Family Hub
    16 Hollowmede, Canterbury CT1 3SD
    0300 041 0014
    On first and third Thursdays of the month
  • Kingsmead Family Hub, Kingsmead Road, Canterbury CT2 7PH
    0300 041 3999
    On fourth Friday of the month
  • Herne Bay Family Hub
    Parklife, Kings Road, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 5RG
    0300 042 2889
    On second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
  • Whitstable Family Hub
    Tower Parade, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2BJ
    0300 042 1554
    On first Tuesday of the month
*Dover (Aylesham/ Sandwich corridor)
  • St Peter’s church (Dover Family Hub outreach)
    Dorman Ave N, Aylesham, Canterbury CT3 3BL
    On second Thursday of month
Thanet
  • Northdown Road Family Hub
    15 Zion Place, Margate, Kent, CT9 1RP
    0300 041 4363
    On second and fourth Mondays of the month
  • Millmead Family Hub
    Dane Valley Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 3RU
    01843 280555
    On third Tuesday of the month
  • Newington Family Hub
    Princess Margaret Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6HX
    0300 041 1043
    On first and third Mondays of the month
  • Newlands Family Hub
    Dumpton Lane, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 7AJ
    0300 041 1042
    On fourth Thursdays of the month

North/West Kent

Dartford
  • Dartford Family Hub
    Oakfield Lane, Dartford, DA1 2SW
    03000 411049
    On every Tuesday of the month
Gravesend
  • Chantry Family Hub
    Ordnance Road, Chantry Grounds, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2RL
    03000 420007
    On every Monday of the month
Maidstone
  • Greenfields Family Hub
    Rutland Way, Maidstone, ME15 8DR
    03000 412987
    On first and third Fridays of the month
  • South Borough Family Hub
    Stagshaw Close, Maidstone, ME15 6TL
    03000 417770
    On second and fourth Thursdays of the month
Tonbridge and Malling
  • East Malling Family Hub
    Chapman Way, East Malling, ME19 6SD
    03000 418008
    On first Monday of the month
Tunbridge Wells
  • Sherwood Family Hub
    Friars Way, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UA
    03000 420892
    On third Monday of the month

*Please also see for more Talking Walk-ins for Dover, Ashford and Folkestone and Hythe districts Children’s Speech and Language Walk-In Service (Talking Walk-ins) | East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (ekhuft.nhs.uk).