Promotion

Local groups who are affiliated to the National Deaf Children’s Society are able to use a particular logo to show their registration with us.

This is really important to help members of the public understand the status and purpose of local groups.

Colour and black and white logos are available to view here.

If you would like a jpeg file, we can send this to you.

We have guidelines too on how to use the logos on your promotional materials and communications.

Local group t-shirts

Would you like some personalised t-shirts or fleeces for your local group committee, members and volunteers?

We have designs ready-made for different garments that we can simply add your local group name to.

We can cover the cost of the screen print and carriage, so the only cost to your local group is for the garment itself.

The order form includes all the prices and garments available.

If you would like to find out more or want to place an order, contact us at [email protected]

We can provide each affiliated local group with an email address: [email protected].

There are two different ways of using this email address:

• We can arrange for emails that arrive into this inbox to be forwarded to up to five main contacts at your group.
  
  
• Alternatively, we can give you the username and password information and your group can use this as a separate email account.

As we set the group up with you, we can talk more about what you’d like to do.

Alternatively, you can set up your own account using a provider of your choice. If you decide to do this, it's well worth trying to call it something simple and recognisable.

We have lots of examples from other groups, so we can help.

Getting involved in your local services can really help to strengthen the support available to deaf children and their families. Find out how and where you can have a say in what’s provided in your area.

Children’s Hearing Services working groups (CHSWGs)

These are based in health authority areas in England. Find out what they do and how you can help shape service provision in your area:

CHSWG guide

Campaigning

Campaigning with the National Deaf Children’s Society is another way you might like to get involved. By joining our Campaigns Network, we’ll be able to let you know what campaigns we’re working on and how you can lend your voice.

Campaign with us

Parent Carer Forums 

A parent carer forum is a group of parents and carers of children who work with local authorities, education settings, health providers and others to make sure the services they plan and deliver meet the needs of children and families.

In England there are parent carer forums in almost all local authority areas.

Forums usually have a steering group of parents who lead this work and listen to the views of other parents in the local area to make sure they know what is important to them.

Forums are keen to hear from as many parent carers as possible.

In England, The National Network of Parent Carer Forums has published a list of PCFs for each local authority: NNPCF

How can social media support my local group?

• It can help you communicate with people quickly and easily, regardless of where they live.
• It’s a cost-effective way of sharing information with like-minded people, by connecting with other professionals and parents.
• Existing ‘real life’ networks can be enhanced.
• You can create a digital space for parents to discuss their experiences and offer each other support.
• Get your message out there to raise awareness, campaign or fundraise.
• Recruit volunteers, potentially encouraging new members and professionals.
• Encourage conversation/debate.
• Create new contacts for your group and link with other organisations.
• Advertise and promote your upcoming events, training, activities and AGMs.

There are different social media channels to choose from, depending on what you want to say and who you want to speak to.

Of course, Facebook is pretty popular and pretty effective. Lots of groups are already using it well to do some of the things mentioned in the list above.

We have set up a local groups Facebook group specifically for committee members. It’s a place for local group committees and active members (over the age of 18) to come together to share ideas and experiences about running a local group.

You can ask questions and seek advice from other groups around the UK and from us, the Local Groups team.

Join our Facebook group.

Read our guide on how your group can make the most out of social media:

How local groups can use social media – a guide

Engaging with local media is a great way to promote your group. The media always wants good local stories, or a local take on a national story, especially if it has a human interest angle.

If you have a good story and follow some basic guidelines, you might find the local media is an effective way to raise your profile. 

We asked some groups about the benefits of local media coverage: 

• “To keep active members”
• “To promote a positive message about deaf issues and raise deaf awareness in the community”
• “To reach out to a larger audience, help families promote wellbeing and break down taboos”
• “To increase membership”
• “To raise awareness that there's local support available and reach out to families with deaf children who may need support and advice”
• “To find good quality volunteers”

Things to consider:

• What kind of story do I have?
• When do I want this to go out?
• Do I have photos?
• Am I (or someone else) prepared to be interviewed?

Download our guide to promoting your group in the media

How can we help?

If you have any queries about promoting your local group, please contact the National Deaf Children’s Society Media Team on 0207 014 1178 or email [email protected]. We are always happy to have a chat and offer advice.