South West England & Channel Islands

Our South West England and Channel Islands area includes Gloucestershire, South Gloucester, Bristol, Bath And North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Devon, Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Torbay, Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, Isle of Scilly and the Channel Islands.

Our Family Officer for South West England is Vikki O'Brien (covering Gloucestershire, South Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire).

"Following a three-year degree course which covered drama, education and deaf studies, I decided to specialise.  A postgraduate qualification in deaf studies equipped me with a fundamental understanding of the deaf community and the education of deaf children and young people, their social welfare and the choices they and their families face.

"I have worked within the deaf community as a communication support worker in education environments and the workplace. I have had great fun working with deaf young people at after school clubs and volunteering for local deaf organisations that work with deaf children and young people.

"These experiences have helped develop my beliefs and ideals, which support the visions of NDCS. I am committed to supporting families with deaf children and young people, and of course, deaf children and young people themselves.

"I can provide families and local groups with information and support regarding diagnosis, benefits and education with the aim of empowering families to make choices for themselves. I will also be promoting the policies and services that NDCS offer to professionals within the region I cover."

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

Our Family Officer for the South West Coastal Region and Channel Islands is Louise Morris (covering Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isles of Scilly).

“My role entails working with children, families and young people providing information, support and advice on whatever issues concern them.
 
“I have been involved with children and young people for all of my working life, starting out as an activity instructor and qualifying as a youth worker over 10 years ago. I have worked for local authorities and voluntary organisations and have had the privilege of meeting and supporting many fantastic young people."

“I would like to see all deaf children and young people in the area have the same opportunities that their hearing peers have. I hope to achieve this by working closely with families, children, young people, professionals and local groups.

“I am very happy to support you in whatever way I can, whether it is advice on benefits, guidance regarding education or helping you make an informed choice about local opportunities."

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.

There is a team of regional directors whose main roles are to influence key decision makers in local authorities and health services to ensure education, health, social care and other public services meet the needs of deaf children.