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Watch Susan Daniels’ message to volunteers on International Volunteer Day
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A big thank you from staff and parents
Staff members and parents from across the organisation wanted to say a big thank you to those who volunteer with us this International Volunteer Day.
Helen Ingram, Families Programme Manager
"Without the continued support of volunteers we would not be able to provide the extensive programme of events to parents and carers of deaf children that we currently run.
The information, expertise and real-life experiences that volunteers share mean that our families leave our events informed and inspired in ways to support their deaf child.
To all volunteers in whatever capacity, we are extremely grateful and appreciative, and the team thanks you."
Mark Lowes, Bright Start Programme Officer
“Without our brilliant volunteers, who generously give up their time for us, we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do. Their insight, experience, and perspective takes our work to a whole new level.
A big thank you to everyone who has volunteered for us. We, quite literally, couldn’t do this without you all.”
Joy Tootell, Head of Relationship & Partnership Fundraising
"A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who have helped support our fundraising efforts up and down the country this year.
From cheering on our marathon runners, to sharing your own personal stories at virtual and in-person fundraising events; your generous contribution has made those who are raising money for our cause feel appreciated and that truly is invaluable."
Jen Corbett and Simon Critten, Gift in Wills team
“We'd like to say a special thanks to those of you who volunteered to talk about your experience of deafness to an audience.
Whether you're a deaf young person who presented at one of our family events on Zoom, or a mum who spoke at one of our in-person supporter events – thank you!”
Katharine Evans and Dean Modeste, Deaf Works Everywhere
“A huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered this year. You’ve shared your career highs and lows, top tips and insights which have made for engaging and honest interviews about the world of work. Without you there is no Deaf Works Everywhere.”
Catriona Corbett, Head of Advice & Guidance Helpline
"Our volunteer hosts make such a difference on the Your Community online forum. As parents themselves, they are able to provide peer support and useful info to ensure no post goes unanswered and to help make Your Community a safe and supportive environment."
Jodie Jones, Young Futures team
“We were lucky enough to be joined by volunteers who shared their personal experiences with the world of work; the barriers they had faced in educational and workplace settings, how they got to where they are today and what top tips they would suggest to employers hoping to make their workplaces more accessible.
The employers found it really beneficial to learn from our volunteers’ first-hand experience, and noted how the tips from the volunteers would inform their practice going forward in their workplaces. Thank you to the volunteers for your time!”
This is what a parent had to say about some of our amazing presenter volunteers at a recent event:
Kate, parent of a deaf child
"The personal experiences were so valuable… The volunteer validated the feelings and emotions I have as a parent and said it was ok to feel this way. Certainly, a penny drop moment for me!"
And this, from a parent who received peer-to-peer support from one of our parent supporter volunteers:
Maria, parent of a deaf child
“The time of diagnosis was such an emotional rollercoaster, especially coming back from audiology appointments. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself. I had lots of questions and emotions.
I was matched with a parent-volunteer who I could completely relate to. She would find information for me or put me in touch with someone else. It was so valuable to have that support.”
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An update from Deaf Child Worldwide
Photo:
Jitendra Pantra volunteering with deaf children
Volunteers are integral to the projects Deaf Child Worldwide supports in East Africa and South Asia.
Our partners know how much parents struggle to raise deaf children in communities where pervasive stigma and prejudice remain against all people with disabilities.
There are superstitions and myths around what causes deafness, such as in South Asia the belief that it is karma for actions in a past life, or in East Africa that God is punishing the parents for something they have done.
There is often a widespread belief that deafness is a learning disability and that deaf children will never be able to go to school or get a job as a hearing child will.
In other cases, the volunteers are parents of deaf children themselves, who take on leadership roles in support groups. Helping parents with newly diagnosed children and sometimes in advocating directly to local government officials about the support deaf children need in schools.
