Chester based charity Deafness Support Network’s I’m Hear! project will be featured as part of BBC’s Children in Need appeal show on Friday, November 18, showcasing the difference the project has made to a family from Ellesmere Port.
Running since October 2014 and already in its third year, I’m Hear! provides much-needed support to deaf children and young people, as well as their families, across Cheshire and surrounding areas.
Specialist project workers offer families support within their own homes to improve their deaf awareness and communication with their deaf children with any type of hearing loss, including British Sign Language (BSL) where needed.
Project worker Erica Jones has worked closely with the Southall family since July 2016. She said: “I’ve been working closely with the Southall family to teach BSL so they can communicate effectively with Freddie, who is deaf and it’s so rewarding to see the family’s hard work pay off!
“Their commitment to improving communication is a shining example of how I’m Hear! can positively impact on children’s lives, whilst offering families a safe and comfortable environment to learn a whole range of vital communication skills.”
Freddie’s father Paul Southall added: “The support we’ve received from DSN and Erica has been phenomenal and has really helped us settle into our new home since relocating earlier in the year.
“It was such as honour to be filmed by BBC News North West and be interviewed by presenter Carol Lowe. It was a fantastic experience and the whole family, especially Freddie, are excited to see the completed film on the BBC Children in Need Appeal.
“We’ll also be in the audience at Sefton Park, Liverpool on the big night and couldn’t be prouder or happier to be part of BBC’s Children in Need Appeal.”
