Residential events

Our programme of residential events is all about encouraging deaf children and young people to challenge themselves and their expectations of what they can or can’t do. Children will sleep in shared rooms with others of a similar age. Boys and girls bedrooms are normally on a separate floor or corridor. The programme will allow for lots of time for them to chill out and make new friends. No previous experience of any of the activities is required. Any equipment needed will be provided by the centre and will we send you a list of everything you will need to pack.

These are for deaf children and young people aged 8-16 who have more severe complex needs, whether it be additional physical or learning disabilities which mean they cannot access our regular events programme. The centres can provide activities for children and young adults with disabilities ranging from activity trails, horse riding, climbing, abseiling, archery, canoeing and are suitable for all abilities. Volunteer carers can be provided if required.

‘Thank you.  We feel you organise and run these events so well, we never have any concerns about our child’s safety or enjoyment.’

These events are designed especially for children aged 8 to 11 who have never been away on an NDCS residential event before. If you would like your child to try an NDCS holiday but not sure if a week away from home is too long then this event will be perfect. It’s one night away with the friendly NDCS team where children can enjoy a range of outdoor, sports and craft activities. There will be plenty of time at registration for you to settle them into their bedroom and help unpack their bag. In the evening, the group will relax with a DVD and maybe some popcorn! You can text or call the NDCS team throughout the day to see how they are getting on and we can pass on a good night message for you at bedtime.

She was shy about going but really made friends and she said had an amazing time.  It has really helped her mixing with other deaf kids.

Especially for children and young people aged 11 to 15 these are specialist sports / arts / outdoor weekends meaning your child can meet like-minded people, learn new skills or polish up on existing ones. They offer two nights away from home, and enable your child to have lots of fun, doing the things they enjoy the most or have always wanted to try!

`He has grown in confidence so much.  It has done him the world of good mixing with his own age group that are also hearing impaired.  He is isolated at school as the only deaf teenager.  He now wants to learn sign BSL`

‘She has learnt some sign language, how to use her phone and an increased sense of independence’

Our three and four night residential events are aimed at children and young people aged 8-15 years who want to spend more social time with other deaf children. The NDCS team will support children who are less confident and may find it difficult to form friendships. They will also encourage the children to take responsibility for their own communication and belongings. All this will be combined with some awesome activities including surfing, rock climbing, raft building, skiing and much, much more. The evenings will be an opportunity to relax with a DVD, play games and chat about the next adventure.

'We live in very remote area and making/maintaining friendships outside other shorter events has been nowhere near as successful as this residential week'

'She has grown in confidence and also her eating habits have improved.  She hasn’t been arguing about wearing her hearing aids as much'

'Her confidence has grown & more acceptance of being deaf'

'I was amazed he stayed – we were expecting a call from staff at the event.  He seems to be standing up for himself more.  His self esteem has increased (it was upsetting to see him get bullied, cry, now he has confidence to stand his ground).  A credit to the staff at the event for all this to take place in my son'

These events are for children who are mad about football, tennis or the arts.  If your child is aged 8-15 they can join us and spend each morning in sessions of their chosen activity. It doesn’t matter if they already have loads of experience or are trying these activities for the first time, our volunteers will be on hand to give encouragement and support. Sessions will be led by experienced coaches, deaf and hearing, who are passionate about developing the skills of deaf children and young people. In the afternoon. everyone will take part in games, arts and crafts, swimming, team building sessions and lots more. A full evening programme will be provided by the NDCS staff and volunteer team.

`I felt the use of time was excellent.  My child enjoyed the evening activities just as much as the daytime ones.`