Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 17,160
- Reaction score
- 7
http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/8930346.Deaf_children_s_support_group_is_growing/
A SUPPORT group for families with deaf children has grown to more than 100 members since it started nearly a year ago.
The North Hampshire Deaf Children’s Society was founded by Carol Smith, who is a foster carer of a deaf nine-year-old girl.
The mother-of-two, from Brighton Hill, was inspired to set up the group because she believed there was a lack of support for deaf children in Basingstoke. She said it has now grown from just a few members, to around 60 families.
Since forming last summer, Mrs Smith, who is chairwoman of the society, has helped organise social events for families with deaf children.
She said: “It’s quite exciting because we began with just a few and now it’s huge. The children are really benefiting because their families are getting access to learn sign language.
“There was nothing out there for families with deaf children. We used to have a school in Basingstoke for deaf children and it’s gone, so it went from a big presence in the town to being non existent.”
Mrs Smith added: “We are planning to set up a youth group and signing workshops so parents can learn how to sign. We hope that eventually we will be a support group. When children are first diagnosed sometimes parents aren’t sure what to do next.”
The group is now officially affiliated to the National Deaf Children’s Society, with its own constitution and committee.
The society now needs volunteers to help fundraise, lead groups and organising events.
Anyone interested should email .
A SUPPORT group for families with deaf children has grown to more than 100 members since it started nearly a year ago.
The North Hampshire Deaf Children’s Society was founded by Carol Smith, who is a foster carer of a deaf nine-year-old girl.
The mother-of-two, from Brighton Hill, was inspired to set up the group because she believed there was a lack of support for deaf children in Basingstoke. She said it has now grown from just a few members, to around 60 families.
Since forming last summer, Mrs Smith, who is chairwoman of the society, has helped organise social events for families with deaf children.
She said: “It’s quite exciting because we began with just a few and now it’s huge. The children are really benefiting because their families are getting access to learn sign language.
“There was nothing out there for families with deaf children. We used to have a school in Basingstoke for deaf children and it’s gone, so it went from a big presence in the town to being non existent.”
Mrs Smith added: “We are planning to set up a youth group and signing workshops so parents can learn how to sign. We hope that eventually we will be a support group. When children are first diagnosed sometimes parents aren’t sure what to do next.”
The group is now officially affiliated to the National Deaf Children’s Society, with its own constitution and committee.
The society now needs volunteers to help fundraise, lead groups and organising events.
Anyone interested should email .