Deafax calls on schools and medical service providers to give deaf people Education & Advice on Relationships & Sex (E.A.R.S).

Deafax are launching a campaign on 28th March 2012 to call on schools, teachers and medical service providers to supply adequate sex education and sexual health care for deaf people.

Research into deafness and sexual health is extremely rare and almost completely overlooked. Deafax are pioneers in this area, carrying out in depth research within the deaf community and uncovering shocking results.

Out of a sample of profoundly and prelingually deaf mothers, 87% of which were British Sign Language users, only 17% received sex education in a ‘deaf-friendly’ way at school with 33% gaining information from friends and family and another 33% with no information at all. The remaining 17% received non deaf-friendly sex education at school. 1/3 of young women interviewed were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of conception and many were unaware of walk-in clinics or heard of bad experiences when staff couldn’t understand the deaf person.

Medical service providers mistakenly assume that written material (leaflets, booklets, websites) are suitable to relay health information to the deaf community.

On 1st October 2010, the Equality Act stated that it is a legal requirement for all service providers to make provision for the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Yet research reveals that deaf mothers-to-be are generally unable to access antenatal classes and their midwives are not ‘deaf aware’ or trained on the best ways to communicate with a deaf person.

Information on maternity leave and benefits entitled to them are not passed on and deaf mothers say they feel isolated and have no communication with health visitors.

Out of all the health trusts Deafax spoke to, just one had a midwife who could sign, she had funded her own training.

100% of those who took part in the study believed that the level of service is not the same for both deaf and hearing expectant mothers.

In response, Deafax are launching a Sexual Health Package, tailored for deaf students and teachers to deliver invaluable information on safe sex and STIs to deaf students, using communication methods to suit individual needs.

Deafax have also developed training packages for teachers of the deaf in the field of sex education and deaf awareness workshops for mainstream organisations. They are asking all those in the deaf community to contribute to this under-researched area by completing this survey – so that service providers and schools can no longer overlook the needs of deaf people.

Deafax are also conducting new research for deaf people which is confidential and anonymous; please go online http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCWNCM7

IF Event Programme 13th May 2012
United Nations International Day of Families Theme

“Ensuring work family balance” A non-profit themed event

“Local Family TV celebrates this year’s United Nations’ International Day of Families with a special celebrity fundraising event aimed at re-discovering the importance of a well-balanced family.”

As a topic of increasing relevance in the 21st century, this high-profile, non-profit charity gala brings together families, NGOs, businesses, individuals, trusts, Ambassadors and High Commissioners to discuss and raise awareness of this prominent issue.

Local Family Television will be raising funds in support of Deaf Parenting UK at their special, Celebrity Fundraising Gala 2012.

The event, which will take place on 13th of May 2012 at the magnificent, 5-star Wyndham Grand Hotel Chelsea, will celebrate the UN’s International Day of Families while raising money for a number of important UK charities.

The theme for this year is Hollywood and Bollywood and Local Family TV will have a number of celebrity designers showcasing their work in an exclusive fashion show as well as special guest speakers and a mysterious luxury prize draw.

Sabina Iqbal from Deaf Parenting UK will be giving a speech to remind our guests of the important cause, we support and of our partnership with Local Family TV to continue delivering new services and support programmes for Deaf Parents across the UK.

Last year,  representatives from 15 Head of States came in support of the private event, while fashion leading lady Sienna Miller sponsored the gala with her Twenty8Twelve collection.

Sofia-Chezene Theophilou, founder of Local Family TV said: “On 16th May 2011 history was made when it showed that countries around the world supported the important role of families by attending the event and I cannot wait to see each country having a UN Ambassador one day and incorporate this in the Family Rights Charter.

Each year I will be involved with working alongside government officials, businesses, individuals, charities, NGO, Ambassadors and High Commissioners to celebrate families all over the world.”

Funds raised will go towards new development plans and stronger support systems for Deaf Parenting UK.

To book your tickets and support our cause – please book online on http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2990519725

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Our Charities

GREAT ORMOND STREET – Great Ormond Street Hospital provides inspirational, world-class care to hundreds of children every day. To help them continue their work, we need to raise over £50 million each year. You can help us help them by attending our event.

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION UK – A mother said “ The day was just of out this world it was unbelievable; at one point there were about 20 people making her happy! We are very grateful to Make-A-Wish for how amazing it all was – Victoria was completely spoilt!” Please help us to continue to make all these children’s dreams come true by coming to the event and helping us raise £6.8 million in 2012.

AID FOR JAPAN - Over 350 children were left orphaned after Japan was hit by itstragic tsunami 2011; Akemi Solloway now needs to raise £5000 for charity registration and more so that these orphans are given a chance to lead happy, healthy lives. Please help orphans by coming and supporting the event.

DANCEAID – We have all seen TV show Got to Dance – taking this idea to a more global level, Danceaid is a new and exciting charity that harnesses the energy of dance to transform the lives of vulnerable children both in the UK and abroad. Every penny will go towards the development of fundamental projects that support and protect children growing up in the developing world. Help us to help them by coming to the event.

DEAF PARENTING UK – Enabling confidence, empowering and supporting Deaf Parents in the UK. Help the organisation deliver new services and programmes to support the development of Deaf parents by meeting the parents and finding out more about the individuals behind the work.

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This year’s national theme is Hollywood and Bollywood, so this is a strictly Black Tie, Ballgown, Cocktail dress or Bollywood-style attire event.

Booking: Tables of up to 10 people can be booked in advance

Standard ticket:£100.00 including an exquisite three-course dinner and wine, as well as access to the event’s fashion show (20% of ticket price goes to the charities)

VIP ticket: £150.00 including VIP reception, champagne, exquisite three-course dinner with wine or juice and front row seats at the fashion show (20% of ticket price goes to the charities)

Fashion Show only: £30.00 including access to the show and a glass of wine or juice (60% of ticket price goes to the charities). Please note seats are very limited for the show.

Prize draws: An exclusive, luxurious prize can be won by a lucky standard or VIP ticket holder. There will also be prize draws for other items throughout the day and evening.

To purchase your ticket online – click here and 20% of the tickets price will go toward the named charities.

Programme details
12 noon – 3.30pm Presenters Audition

* Please note only advanced bookings are accepted for the audition
- Exhibitions opens to include cultures from around the world.

4pm Ribbon opening ceremony

*Special guests include the Hammersmith and Fulham Mayor, the Mayor ofKensington and Chelsea and the Mayor of London

4.10pm Welcome by Celebrity Host Adam Child and Saba Sadik (LFTV
Presenters)followed by the LFTV Family Rights Charter feature.

4.30pm Bollywood Dancing

5pm Hollywood and Bollywood film producers, directors Q & AIntroduction by
Lucia Yuki Miyashita (LFTV Press and Broadcast Presenter)

5.45pm Guest of Honour (to be announced)

- Winner of Family-Friendly Logo: a competition by children from St Joseph School in Chelsea.

• Winners of lyric-writing and song-writing competition by children from Song Academy Fulham and Beracah Music
• 6pm Dinner commences with following speakers in the following order:
  a) Great Ormond Street Charity Reg No 235825
  b) Make-A-Wish Foundation UK Charity Reg No 295672
  c) Aid for Japan (acquiring Charity registration)
  d) Dance Aid Charity Reg No 1140749
  e) Destiny Dalby LFTV young presenter speaking about Anaphylaxis Charity Reg No 1085527
  f) Family Law and Parent Rights (solicitor invited)
  g) Family and Investments, the way forward invited speaker Mr Neil Taylor, St James Place Wealth management
  h) Deaf Parenting UK Charity Reg No 1112453 – Speaker Sabina Iqbal

  7.45pm Evening prize draw: Anexclusive and deluxe mystery prize open to Standard and VIP ticket holders only.

  8.00pm Celebrity Hollywood and Bollywood Children and Adult Fashion Show featuring the following designers:

Invited: Stella McCartney, Invited Victoria Beckham, Invited Butler and Wilson

Confirmed:

Models from celebrity modelling agencies Storm Models, Select Models, D1 and Fashions Finest to model for the show

-       Haute Couture Celebrity Designer  Adeboyo Jones

http://www.adebayo-jones.com/main.html

-       Parveen Couture Celebrity designer

http://www.parveencouture.co.uk/

-       NicoDidonna

http://www.nicodidonna.com/

-       Celebrity designer Kika Holanda designing for Kimberley Welsh & Helen Mirren

www.KiKaHolandaDesign.com

-       Celebrity Designer Smart Phiri designing for Ashley Banjo

www.smartdesigerns.co.za

-       Millinery Designer Linda  Mirembe

www.linmir.com

-       Erika Sonada Indian Designers Clothing by Strand of Silk

http://strandofsilk.com/

-       Bollywood Designer Lili Collection

http://www.facebook.com/lilicollection

-       Nikki Jones Shoes

http://www.nikkishoes.co.uk/

-       Leonie Porter

http://www.leonieporter.com/

-       Silvia Gale Guillen designing for Amanda Holden

www.silviaguillen.co.uk

10pm Thank you, close and carriages

To purchase your ticket online – click here and 20% of the tickets price will go toward the named charities.

Hot off the press – Welcome to our DPUK Spring 2012 Newsletter. In this issue you will find:

• Spring welcome from Nicole, DPUK Coordinator
• Update news from Asif, DPUK Manager
• First Deaf MP in New Zealand
• Two New Deaf Parenting UK Ambassadors
• New proposal to Governments for children to maintain contact with Fathers (who separated from children’s mother)
• SEN Specialist funding protected for Deaf children
• Enabling communication is vital in families of Deaf children
• Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration
• HADC’s London 2012 Olympic celebration – a huge success
• Deafax’s new project & campaign: Education & Advices on Relationhips and Sex (E.A.R.S)
• Local Family TV organise International Gala to raise money for charities including DPUK
• 1st NZ Deaf Parents Conference, May 2012
• DPUK Family Events News
• DPUK Families Day Out – 26th May 2012
• DPUK Support Groups diary dates for 2012
• Keeping in Touch
• DPUK Workshops
• Parent Advocate Project – Workshops, funded by TSB Foundation
• DCAL research project – Deaf children wanted.

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Friday 8th June 2012.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deaf Parenting UK is pleased to announce the following updates for Deaf Families living in the London Regions:

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EASTER FUN DAY

Fun & Games!

Saturday 7th April 2012, 1pm – 5pm, at St John’s Deaf Club, 258 Green Lanes, London N4 2HE (click here for flyer)

COST £2.00 PER CHILD – (UNDER 1 YEAR OLD -FREE)

FREE SNACK/REFRESHMENTS FOR CHILDREN,  REFRESHMENTS FOR SALE AT CANTEEN FOR ADULTS

DEADLINE FOR BOOKING YOUR CHILD’S PLACE: FRIDAY 30TH MARCH 2012

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First Steps – BEHAVIOURIAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR DEAF PARENTS (Flyer)

At Comet Children’s Centre, 20 Halcomb Street, Hackney, N1 5RF

Monday 16th April 2012, 12.30-2.30pm

The ‘workshop’ will cover:

Introduction to First Steps – Who Are We?

Information about basic behaviour management strategies (e.g. praise and ignoring)

What topics you as a parent would like to see covered at future sessions.

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Re-decorate this spring!!!

Come and learn how to decorate Kew Palace style!

Kew Palace Botanic Gardens (flyer)

Sunday 20th May 2012, 11am – 4pm

Free experimental printing workshop for maximum 15 people – children + deaf parents (2 children /1 adult ratio)

For children age 8-12 years

BSL Interpretation

Tea/Coffee Refreshments provided

Only 15 places available on first come, first serve basis.

• Bring your own packed lunch
• Free unassisted time to roam around in gardens after end of workshop.

For further information and booking forms for the above – please contact DPUK Families Project Coordinator:

Nicole Campbell

DPUK Families Project Coordinator

SMS: 07928 842529

Fax: 0871 264 33233

Sabina is delighted to welcome our new Ambassadors – Dr Joanna Downes, our Double Awards winner of Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011; Clive Boswell, Civil Servant of Foreign Commonwealth Office and one of our DPUK Judge; and Asif Iqbal MBE who is stepping down from his current role as Project Manager of Deaf Parenting UK for the last 5years.

Sabina explained: “It is good to have them on board as each one of them have wealth of experiences, knowledge and skills to offer to Deaf Parenting UK and we look forward to working with them on our projects”.

Dr. Joanna Downes

Joanna’s interest in parenting issues started when she commenced her doctorate research into deaf children and attachment. She met deaf parents who had been faced with negative attitudes from professionals when they tried to access services for their children. This started her work in trying to raise and promote the awareness and needs of making mainstream services accessible to both deaf children and deaf adults.

Joanna has a strong interested in enabling deaf people to access mental health services and making sure that professionals do not use deaf parents’ children as interpreters. This led to Joanna producing guidelines for the NHS to follow in both primary care on how to work with and book BSL interpreters.

In 2009, after Joanna completed her doctorate, she went onto become Manager of the Deaf parenting Programme at Action Deafness with funding from the Parenting Fund. This programme identified the many gaps in services and information for Deaf parents.

One gap was the awareness of midwives where deaf parents had repeatedly informed Joanna that they had received poor services. This led to collaboration with DeMontfort University in delivering the first CPD course for midwives to understand in depth the psychological, social and mental health issues deaf parents and children may experience.

Joanna went on to win two awards at the first Deaf Parenting UK Awards event in October 2011 and the DeMontfort University also won an award for the course she wrote.

Joanna is now a freelance consultant and researcher, so she can spend more time with her two young children, who both communicate bilingually in English and BSL.

She says “It is excellent that there is an organisation aims to break down barriers for deaf parents because many deaf parents put up with sub-standard services and appalling attitudes. As an ambassador, I will try to promote awareness and remind professionals and the public of their duty to make sure Deaf parents get equal treatment, because it is their right.”

Clive Boswell

Clive Boswell is currently employed as Auditor for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  Clive was born deaf and has recently been fitted with a cochlear implant.  He is married with two children.

“I am truly honoured to have been asked to become an Ambassador for Deaf Parenting UK.  I believe that being deaf (since birth and connexion 26) I face challenges and prejudice every day of my life.  I hope this has resulted in my becoming more resilient for the remainder of my life!  I also hope this experience will enable us to provide support/knowledge/wisdom and emotionally  to our children; even though they are hearing; having deaf parents will no doubt give them challenges of their own.

I fully support the aims and objectives of Deaf Parenting UK and hope to be able to contribute positively.”

Asif Iqbal MBE

Asif is well-known as effective networker and campaigner throughout his career. In 2005, he worked at Parentline Plus for two years as a Project Manager and one of his role was to develop and manage four pilot projects from scratch on national level in partnership with organisations who works with excluded communities. The project went through the development stage including piloting with view of rolling out a franchising model of services, this provided key opportunities to train and recruit Trainers from the excluded communities who are parents themselves, to provide the Parents Together courses. This had in turn support parents (from the excluded communities) with their parenting skills at home, to improve their parental engagement with their children, thus lead to their improved learning & social outcomes.

Since Oct 2007, he worked as Media/Project Manager for Deaf Parenting UK. Asif ‘s role also involved in networking with high profile people which result in securing an excellent range of Ambassadors for Deaf Parenting UK.  He was also responsible for organising annual national conferences, working in partnership with organiser of The Baby Shows to provide access for Deaf parents / visitors who comes to The Baby Shows, dealing with press releases/ media enquiries and liaising with celebrities, Ambassadors, working partnership with other organisations and Trustees as well as managing staff/ volunteers.

In addition to the last 3 Annual conferences which Asif organised, he also organised the first ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards event that took place in central London in October 2011. It was momentum event as it was seen as a first ever Awards for Deaf parents and professionals working with Deaf parents in history and it was a great success. Working behind the scene of each conference and Awards event, he managed to secure massive of media coverage for Deaf Parenting UK and raising DPUK’s profile across the UK and worldwide.

Not only it stopped there, he managed to secure Deaf Parenting UK as Winner of TFPL’s first Social Impact Award 2008, Berlin, Germany, voted by the world business leaders for charity/third sector on innovative use of knowledge and information management. He also secured Deaf Parenting UK as one of the 30 winners for Talk Talk Innovation Award 2008 and as Runner up the Guardian’s Public Services Award 2008 for Equality & Diversity category.

In his spare times and between jobs, he is also Public Appointment Ambassador for Cabinet Office and Government Equalities Office; Board Member of DPTAC (Disabled Person Transport Advisory Committee) for Department of Transport; and Board Member of the British Disability Panel for British Council; and finally a President of Harrow Asian Deaf Club.

In the past he was former Board members of DEAC (Disability Employment Advisory Committee) for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Former Board Member of Royal Association of Disability and Rights (RADAR).

In recognition of his work and services to Deaf and disabled people, he was named to receive MBE on Queen’s Birthday Honour list in June 2011 and was later awarded with MBE by Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

Asif said: “I feel honoured to become a Ambassador of this charity, I am passionate and supportive of this charity as I am a strong believer of empowerment, enabling and supporting Deaf parents who wish to achieve the best for their children. I also hope to see more Deaf parents as inspiring and be excellent role models to other parents and to share their experiences. In my role, I will continue to promote awareness and champion the needs of deaf parents at all levels.”

“…Young Deaf  People feel embarrassed to ask their parents about sexual health issues…”

When:    Monday 23rd January 2012

Time:     10am – 1pm

Where:   Room 3, The Poetry School 81 Lambeth Walk London SE11 6DX

Cost: £5.00 per person

Workshop provided by Deafax’s deaf trainer

• Email: info@deafparent.org.uk

• Fax: 0871 2643323

• SMS: 07928 842529

Flyer also available by clicking here so please circulate to Deaf parents who are interested.

Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to be chosen to work in partnership with first ever UK and Ireland’s Family Information Tour organised by London Family Television. The products and services that have been chosen for the Family Information Tour are made to enable the enrichment of the lives of families, children and young people.

Asif Iqbal MBE Project Manager explained: “We are delighted with our partnership with Family Information Tour, ensuring that Deaf parents and other parents who visits the Tour are aware of Deaf Parenting UK and our services.

Family Information Tour are also FREE which provide families with information, advice, support and resources at family friendly venues. It is also fantastic opportunity for Deaf Parenting UK and other charities/ organisations to showcase the best products, services and businesses to parents, children and young people.”

Sofia Theophilou, Director of UK and Ireland Family Tour: “Local Family TV is delighted to be partnering with Deaf Parenting UK on our UK and Ireland Family Information Tour.  It is important that not only is information and advice is important for families but that everyone should also know about Deaf Parenting UK as charity that does so much for deaf parents.  We also hope that more people will become volunteers or donate and we will continue to get the message across.” 

The Family Information Tour will also showcase the following:

Products – Some of which to include books and video games that will benefit parents, children and young people with educational information;

 Seminars – Q&A sessions with real-life experts;

Services: Businesses and voluntary organisations chosen by us will exhibit information and provide advice to parents, children and young people;

Presenters Casting: We have received confirmation from over 100 people who will be attending the tour for our presenter auditions.  We are looking to train local children, young people and adults to present programmes in their communities;

The Family Information Tour will cover 9 dates across the venues at Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Exeter, Cardiff, London, Edinburgh and Belfast on Saturdays from November 2011 to April 2012, therefore giving the maximum impact benefiting families, children and young people living in the UK and Ireland, as follow:

Birmingham – 26th November 2011

Venue – Carrs Lane Church Centre, Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX

Manchester – 10 December 2011

Venue – Manchester Bridge Club, 30 Palatine Road, Manchester, M20 3JJ

Newcastle – 28 January 2012

Venue – Fluid Bar and Kitchen, Bealim House, 17-25 Gallowgate, NE1 4SG

Norwich – 11 February 2012

Venue – Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich St, Andrews Hall Plain, Norwich NR3 1AU

Exeter – 18 February 2012

Venue – X Centre Commercial Road Exeter EX2 4AD 

Cardiff – 10 March 2012

Venue – Whitchurch Community Centre, Old Church Road, CF14 1AD

London – 24th March 2012

Venue –Christ Church United Reformed Church, Chase Side, Enfield, EN2 6ND

Edinburgh – 31 March 2012

Venue – Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL

Belfast – 28 April 2012
Venue – Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, BT1 2LA

Hot off the press – Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Autumn 2011). In this issue you will find:

• Brief news about DPUK’s 1st ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards
• DPUK’s Deaf Families Project funded by Children in Need including family/ children activities.
• London 2012 and Paralympic Games
• The Baby Show 2011, Earls Court, Oct 2011
• Deaf Sport Personality of the Year Awards 2012
• DPUK Awards 2011 – Announcement of Winners and highly commended.
• Latest news and details of events

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Friday 16th October 2011.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deaf Parenting UK are delighted to announce an exciting programme of activities as part of Deaf Families Project, funded by Children in Need,  including:

• 22nd October 2011 – Unicorn Theatre – Billy the Kid Captioned Show from 1.30pm-3pm (see flyer)
• 26th November 2011 – Discover Children Story Centre, Stratford from 12-5pm (see flyer)
• 11th December 2011 – Children’s Xmas Party at St Johns Deaf Club from 1-6pm (see flyer)

• 14th January 2012 – Children’s New Year Disco – venue location to be advised shortly
• 23rd January 2012 – Sexual Health Workshop provided by Deafax
• 11th February 2012 – Eddie Catz Soft Play Centre, Wimbledon
• 17th March 2012 – Arts & Craft Session for Mothering Sunday – venue location to be advised shortly
• 7th April 2012 – Easter Theme Fun & Games and Tea Party – venue location to be advised shortly
• 26th May 2012 – National Family Week – DPUK Family Day out at Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire – TBA
• 16th June 2012 – Subtitled Film at Picture House Cinema exclusively for Deaf Families in conjuction with Father’s Day – Details to be advised
• Events for July, August & September 2012 will be sought/finalised after Christmas.

To learn more or to book your place, please email Nicole on info@deafparent.org.uk