Where can we get additional support?
Your Hearing Support Teacher (HST)
HSTs (sometimes referred to as Teachers of the Deaf) work
with babies and children (from birth to age 19) and their families.
They provide support at home and in the early years' settings/
school to promote learning and achievement.
In addition, the HSTs run a range of family sessions for early
years' children:
- Acorns. This is a group for families with
babies and young children who have a hearing loss. The meet every
Wednesday morning during term time at Elmfield House. Brothers and
sisters are also welcome.
- Explorers. Specialist staff from the service
run an early years groups on Tuesday mornings for children with an
additional vision impairment. Parents and carers stay at the
sessions with their children and siblings are welcome.
Your HST can provide you with more information regarding these
groups.
Contact details:
Children and Young People's Services
Sensory Support Service
Elmfield House
Greystoke Avenue
Westbury on Trym
Bristol
BS10 6AY
Website: http://sensorysupportservice.org.uk/
Tel: 0117 903 8441/2/3
The Family Centre (Deaf Children)
The Family Centre (Deaf Children) provides resources for
families of deaf children of all ages and whatever level or type of
Deafness. These include: activity days for the whole family,
sign language classes, coffee mornings, advice centre and training
etc.
Greystoke Ave
Elmfield House
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 6AY
Tel: 0117 330 7575 Text: 07919 575247
Website: www.fcdc.org.uk
Email: admin@fcdc.org.uk
Local Parent Support Groups
Some families choose to become involved in local parent led
groups. These local groups provide an informal way to meet other
families of children with a hearing loss. They provide access to
information and provide emotional support. In addition, they host a
wide range of fun activities and events for the whole family.
Your local parent-led support group is Bristol Deaf
Children's Society (part of the national charity the
NDCS*). They welcome families from Bristol and the surrounding
areas of South Gloucestershire, B&NES and North Somerset. The
group supports families with children who have both permanent and
temporary hearing loss.
Email: bristol@ndcsgroup.org.uk
and/or check their Facebook group
Download the Local support for families leaflet here.
NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society)
The National Deaf Children's Society is a charity who also offer
free advice, information and advocacy on all aspects of childhood
deafness. In addition, they have helpful instructional videos on
how to manage hearing aids (re-tubing, reducing feedback,
etc.).
15 Dufferin Street
London
EC1Y 8PD
Tel: 020 7490 8656 or Freephone Helpline 0808 8008 880.
Website: www.ndcs.org.uk
Email: helpline@ndcs.org.uk
The Paediatric Audiology Team
Children's Hearing Centre
Level D
St Michael's Hospital
Southwell Street
Bristol
BS2 8EG
Tel: 0117 342 1611 - general enquiries, appointments, earmould
clinics, broken hearing aids, batteries, etc.
Email: ChildrensHearingCentre@UHBristol.nhs.uk (batteries
and sundries only, please leave your child's
name/DOB/postcode)
Associations and support websites
National Deaf Children's
Society
National Deaf Children's Society Buzz: website for young
people
Bristol Centre for the Deaf :
Based in Bristol. Runs youth clubs, courses, social events,
information and advice centre
The Family Centre for Deaf
Children
Bristol City
Council Sensory Support Team
Information about the Bristol CHSWG (Children's Hearing Services
Working Group) is hosted on The Family Centre for Deaf Children
website, under news and info
Technology websites
National Deaf Children's Society: technology
Bristol Centre for the
Deaf: equipment
Royal National Institute for Deaf People: technology
and assistive devices
