Starting a local group
Today, there is an incredible network of local deaf children’s societies and support groups. But every single one began with a dedicated person or group of people who wanted more support for deaf children and their families in their community. Could that be you?
If you are thinking about starting a group in your area, we have all the information you need.
We usually find that parents or carers of deaf children are most likely to begin a local group.
This is because they know first-hand the barriers faced by deaf children and their families today, and the issues that matter to them.
However, if you have a personal interest in childhood deafness, you may also be the right person to start a group. You might be:
- a family member of a deaf child or young person
- a Teacher of the Deaf
- an audiologist or other medical professional working with deaf children
- a deaf adult.
There are certain skills that can help you start your local group, such as good deaf awareness, organisation and teamwork. But more than anything, you should be passionate about supporting deaf children and young people in your community.
Thinking of starting a local deaf children’s society? That’s great! We’re here to help you every step of the way.
The first step is to contact our Connecting Families team by email on [email protected].
Local deaf children’s societies are registered charities. This means there are certain things you must do to make sure your group is legal and official. The Connecting Families team can offer guidance with things like:
- registering as a charity
- affiliating with the National Deaf Children’s Society
- opening a bank account and managing finances
- working with charity regulators
- recruiting and appointing a committee
- rules around fundraising
- keeping accurate records and creating reports
- safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
We can also give advice for getting your group off the ground, such as:
- fundraising and events ideas and guidance
- annual planning
- marketing and promotion
- finding meeting venues
- projects to support deaf children in your community.
Want to create a space for families of deaf children in your area, but don’t want to run an official charity? A Parent and Family Network group may right for you.
Parent and Family Network groups are less formal than local societies. Usually, they consist of a few local families who connect via a Facebook or WhatsApp group and occasionally meet up in person.
Meetings aren't formal and are more like a playdate - parents chatting while children play and socialise.
They aren’t registered as charities and don’t have to work with regulators or follow charity laws. They also aren’t officially affiliated with the National Deaf Children’s Society.
If you are thinking of starting a Parent and Family Network group, why not set up a Facebook group? Invite any families of deaf children you already know and ask them to share it too.
We can help with promoting your group. Register your group with us by emailing [email protected]. Your group with then appear on our online map, and we can suggest your group to families who get in touch with us.