Here at Deaf Action we are delighted to announce that we have received a fantastic £125,977 grant from the Improving Lives Big Lottery Fund.
Our Youth Service at Deaf Action allows young people affected by deafness, aged between 10 -18 and living in the Edinburgh & Lothians, Fife & Borders the chance to develop their communication skills, grow friendships outside of school with others facing the same barriers and build resilience for the future.
Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn said, “I am delighted that Deaf Action has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant. The funding will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish Deaf Action every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of their local community.”
We will use the funding to continue the activities of our Youth Service allowing children educated in a mainstream setting to realise the advantages of a multilingual learning environment, provide opportunities to interact with other deaf children and promote a positive deaf identity.
Catie Redwood, Youth Service member stated, ‘The Youth Group has helped me to grow in both confidence and personality… Deaf Action is a place where I can be myself without having to worry about whether or not I can hear someone talk or if subtitles are on films… Meeting other people in similar situations to me is something that I will always be grateful for because I know that I am not alone’.
The news which comes during Deaf Awareness week (14th – 20th May), is a fantastic boost for the Youth Service which aims to support 700 young people over the next three years. ‘The Youth Service has been vital in helping deaf young people realise that they are not alone, that they have friends old and new who experience the same frustrations and barriers every day. They have a safe and happy space where they can develop their confidence, share experiences, and perhaps more importantly, have fun! We are delighted that this can continue and that we can expand its reach even more’ said Frankie McLean, Operations Manager, Deaf Action.
If you have been affected by deafness and would like further information please contact Frankie.mclean@deafaction.org
Made possible thanks to National Lottery funding.
