East England

The East England area includes Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Our Family Officer for Eastern England is Pip Johns (covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex).

"My role as a Family Officer is vast and it is difficult to summarise everything I do.

"The main function of my job is to work with families and carers of deaf children and young deaf people, providing information, advice and support in all areas relating to deafness including education and benefits.

"For example, you may require support in filling out a DLA form, or challenging a benefits decision. You may need support with your child’s statement, advice on how to prepare effectively for annual reviews or when looking at secondary schools.

"You may want to know about the communication options available for your child, or to meet other families in similar situations. You may be interested in finding out if there is any support groups available in your area or who is the contact person for your local deaf children’s group.

"These are just a few examples, but as you can see, I can provide a wide range of support and advice.

"I am Deaf myself and this gives me the personal and emotional experience I hope will be an added benefit to those I work with. I remember my mother saying that she wished she had the opportunity to meet other families and deaf people in similar situations when I was younger. This makes me passionate in ensuring families and deaf children know what and where information and support are available to them so they are able to make an informed choice.

"I previously worked for three years as a Deaf Support Worker in Cambridgeshire working with families and deaf children aged 0 to 18-years-old. I help to run the Cambridgeshire Deaf Youth Group who meet once a month and I also help teach Level 1 British Sign Language.

"Please get in touch if you need advice or support. I can be contacted by phone, email, and fax or a home visit can be arranged."

Telephone: 0808 800 8880
Textphone: 0808 800 8880
Fax: 020 7251 5020
Email: helpline@ndcs.org.uk 

Local deaf children's societies are run by parents and carers of deaf children, working together with local health and education professionals. They give emotional and social support to families with deaf children, and give deaf children the chance to meet outside of school.

Our What's On section lists events, family days, signed and interpreted performances, and much more.