Donate to NDCS

Improving services in your area

If you’re concerned about an issue affecting deaf children in your area, including reductions to services, we may be able to support you.

Get in touch by contacting our free Helpline or emailing localengagement@ndcs.org.uk.

Knowing your rights – parents and carers

As a parent or carer, you have the right to expect:

  • your child’s deafness to be identified as early as possible
  • information and support for your family
  • technology such as hearing aids to be provided where appropriate
  • the role of each professional supporting your child to be clearly explained
  • to be involved in making choices about your child’s health and education
  • regular opportunities to feedback on services
  • professionals across health, education and social care to work well together
     

Find out more

You can influence services in your area by joining your local Children's Hearing Services Working Group (CHSWG).

How we support parents and carers

We can work with you when issues arise in your local area. For example, we might support you by:

  • challenging reductions to services
  • bringing people together to discuss the issues
  • gathering the views of parents about changes affecting their deaf child
  • bringing parents together to support each other
  • sharing information

Influencing services in your area

Join our mailing list and where possible we can make you aware of consultations affecting services for deaf children in your area and how you can get involved.

You may also want to join your local Children’s Hearing Services Working Group. CHSWGs are groups of parents and professionals who work together to improve local services including health, education and social care. 

How we support professionals

If you work with deaf children, we can:

  • provide a safe space for you to raise issues in confidence and then act on this information if appropriate
  • work in partnership with you to improve services
  • share information and resources to support improvement
  • share and influence best practice