Bridging the gap programme

The Bridging the Gap programme launched by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) aims to improve the life chances of deaf children and young people across Northern Ireland by focusing on their social and emotional development and well-being.

It is a five-year programme, developed in response to research showing that deaf children and young people are 60% more likely to experience mental health problems than other children. Poor mental health in children is associated with underachievement at school and figures show that 50% of deaf children are failing to get 5 GCSEs at Grades A to C in Northern Ireland.

Mary Dawson, NDCS Deputy Director, Projects and Services Development, said: “For too long deaf children in Northern Ireland have been overlooked and deprived of opportunities to reach their full potential"

How do we do this?

The Bridging the Gap project will empower and encourage deaf children, young people and their families to contribute meaningfully to their community in Northern Ireland by:

Working with professionals

Training in supporting the development of positive emotional health and well-being for deaf children
Training and resources for deaf-friendly practices in school
Training in deaf awareness
Information and resources on good classroom acoustics
Development of a transitions package from child to adult services

Working with families

Parenting a deaf child courses
Communication is fun sessions
Opportunities for all the family to learn sign language
Local parents groups

Working with children and young people who are deaf and hard of hearing

Healthy Minds programmes in schools and on residential events
Peer mentoring support
Positive deaf role models
Providing information about support services

Further information

To attend the sessions of the Bridging the Gap programme, families and professionals working with deaf children should email bridgingthegap@ndcs.org.uk

Partners and funding

NDCS is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people. Our partners for this project are Barnardo’s, Contact Youth and RNID.

The project is supported by the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund's Live and Learn programme.