How Can Advocacy Help You?
An Advocacy Worker can support you by enabling you to know your rights; talk about your needs and support you in taking decisions. You and your advocate will agree a plan of action which will help you be 'heard' and take more control over your life.

Advocates can challenge discrimination on your behalf to ensure that you have equal access and use of services.

Who Do We Work With?

• D/deaf and hard of hearing people and their families
• CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults)
• Service Providers

Who Will Be My Advocate?
Our advocates can communicate fluently in spoken language and British Sign Language. Through their life experiences living within the D/deaf community, they are part of Deaf Culture and are aware of the barriers D/deaf people face. They are experienced in working with service providers and decision makers and providing information and advice.

What Should I Do Next?
Contact the Deafness Resource Centre to make an appointment to see an advocate. This is an independent, confidential services that focuses on you.

Some of our Services....

Deaf Forums
Providing opportuniuties for D/deaf people to meet, learn and exchange views and opinions, through their preferred method of communication

Access Audits
Helping service providers looking to improve access and equality for D/deaf service users and staff.

Young People (LINK)
Working with young deaf people to support them during transition periods at school or college

Schools
Working with schools and groups of young people to provide information sessions about deafness and sign language (as part of the National Curriculum or more informal sessions to suit each group)

CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults)
CODAs are people who are from culturally Deaf families, yet live within a hearing world. This can lead to many life challenges.

We offer support through one-to-one advocacy and facilitating opportunities to meet others from similar backgrounds.

Happy Hands (LINK)
Happy hands is a Parent and Toddler group including multi-sensory play, stories in sign language, dance and arts and crafts. The group is aimed at:

• Children with D/deaf family members under 5 years old
• D/deaf children under 5 years old