Deaf Parenting Programme

Action Deafness launched a new and exciting project aimed at Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing parents in April 2009.

The Parenting FundThis project is sponsored by the Parenting Fund and is overseen and managed by Deaf Parenting Programme Development Manager Dr Joanna Downes and she can be reached either by emailing her at joannadownes@actiondeafness.org.uk or SMS 07825881934 for any enquires or concerns about this programme.

The Deaf Parenting Programme aims to promote inclusion, equality and opportunities for Deaf parents and hearing parents of deaf children and work to improve the accessibility of services for these families across the city. The programme also signpost families to expert organisations and service providers to meet their needs.

The programme continues to develop new sessions aimed at assisting families to develop their communication at home in a fun and relaxed environment. These sessions bring families together, enabling them to support one another. Parents have the opportunity to meet other parents and share information and knowledge. The programme provides volunteers and positive deaf role model. If you require childcare for any of the groups, contact the Project Development Officer, Sally Gallimore, to arrange this.

There are also smaller projects within the Deaf Parenting Programme that form the foundations of a citywide deaf parenting network from which the organisation will identify peer-to-peer befrienders to provide support.

We are always looking for volunteers with all skills who are interested in gaining experience in working or supporting parents of deaf children.

We are on Facebook too, put in the words Deaf Parenting Programme and you will find us on there!

Ideas and suggestions from parents and carers are always welcome, so please get in touch.


Future and Current Activities

  • Drop-in-centre
  • Sign It Together (SIT) aimed at encouraging parents to sign with their children in the home.
  • Living With Teenagers Course
  • Fathers Group
  • Free BSL course for hearing parents with deaf children or deaf parents with hearing/deaf children
  • Summer Activity Programme every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the school holidays (The TT Club)
  • Monthly Trips

Please contact either Sally via email: sallygallimore@actiondeafmess.org.uk or Sean at seanpriestley@actiondeafness.org.uk or by text: 07528 551169 for more information about the trips.

For any other general enquires, please email to parenting@actiondeafness.org.uk