DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARD 2011
Also, BBC See Hear! filmed the event which can be viewed via BBC iPlayer here.
Deaf Parenting UK celebrated their 10years anniversary by hosting a fantastic first ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011 at Royal Over-Sea League, Central London on Friday 7th October.
The Awards event was located at a grand and stunning venue, which saw 150 people joining the celebration which started with delicious refreshment of tea/ coffee with royal and sky blue cupcakes decorated with stars, rounded off with a luxury buffet together with a ‘DPUK Awards 2011’s Celebrating 10 years anniversary’ celebration cake. It was very much like an Oscar style, very glamorous and luxury feel, everyone enjoyed themselves.
The Awards event was hosted by Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of Deaf Parenting UK: “For many, who have known of Deaf Parenting UK and those who are new to our work, Deaf Parenting UK started as a small project in April 2001 and now grown to a pioneering organisation and well-known charity across UK and worldwide, providing support to Deaf parents, parent to be and professionals working with Deaf parents.
At the Awards, we gathered together to honour the positive contributions of Deaf Parents, parents to be and professionals who works with Deaf parents to our community. This was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with a difference, where the Awards are to celebrate and applaud the commitment, dedication and determination of Deaf parents and professionals (who work with Deaf parents) from all over the country and from all walks of life, for their contribution to improve the quality of life for Deaf parents ranging from front-line service, community based and strategy levels.”
All of our finalists were treated with special day and were nervous when the Awards ceremony announced the winners and highly commended of which many were shocked and delighted by the outcome. The Winners were awarded with a large glass trophy and gold-framed certificate and those who were highly commended were also awarded with silver-framed certificate of highly commended by the sponsor and DPUK Ambassador of each category.
Sabina added “Those finalists, who have made an amazing positive difference to all of our lives, are here today and we applaud them for coming this far. It is their passion, energy, courage and determination that inspired all of us. It’s an exciting time to witness such momentum in history of recognising Deaf parents and professionals in field of supporting Deaf parents as well as encourage a growth of people keen to make the difference in our lives too.”
Caroline Parker - Deaf Performer
"So Strong" - Audience joined in the chorus...
Everyone were also treated with a fantastic and powerful performance from Caroline Parker, a Deaf performer who signed the songs into British Sign Language (BSL) including Bette Midler’s ‘Beneath My Wings’; Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling so Good’ and Labi Siffre’s ‘So Strong’ which proved to be so empowering and inspiring, summing up the feeling of the overall Awards Event.
Sue Saxey, President of NCT who presented the Community of Deaf Parents Awards: “NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, is delighted to sponsor the Community of Deaf Parents Award. This award is particularly special to the work we do at NCT as we have been creating communities of support for those in the transition to parenthood for 55 years. Having a supportive community of others who have had similar experiences to you can often be a real lifeline when you are adjusting to life as a parent. We would like to congratulate Deaf Parenting UK for their work and those who won awards for their amazing efforts to support parents”.
Mike Penning MP, DPUK Ambassador: “I congratulate all the winners and nominees at the Deaf Parenting UK awards. Since its foundation 10 years ago, DPUK has been an incredible success story. It is truly an inspirational charity that plugs a gap giving assistance, support and advice in an area that only those who have been there can really appreciate the issues. I am delighted to have been invited to attend and play a small part in giving recognition to those who have made life easier for deaf parents – whether that be a single deaf parent or deaf parents as a whole.”
Eileen Hayes, DPUK Ambassador announced winner...
Dr Joanna Downes, a Double Winner: “I was honoured to be a part of it and to be given two awards made me feel very proud of what I have achieved. But this is not the end, hopefully with DPUK support; I can go on to achieve even more for deaf parents.”
David Rose, a Deaf guest at the Awards exclaimed: “Deaf Parenting UK created a really a great, beautiful, inspiring, and wonderful occasion; it was good to see Deaf parents, professionals, and staff being honoured for their work, and achievements. This is something we don’t do enough in recognition for our Deaf Community members who have made significant contributions for the betterment of us all. I really enjoyed the whole event and it was a wonderful networking opportunity! Well done!”
The Awards Event was filmed ‘live’ by BBC See Hear which is due to be broadcasted on Weds 2nd Nov at 1pm at BBC2 and Remark! for our DPUK website.
Full programme with details of all finalists available here
The winners by categories are as follow:
1) Positive Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Communication ID
Winner: Charlotte Moulton-Thomas
Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn- Thomas
Winner: Charlotte Moulton Thomas with Collette Hogan (sponsor) and Susan Daniel OBE (DPUK Ambassador)
Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn-Thomas (Pauline Latchem accepted in Melissa's place)
Charlotte Moulton-Thomas is a Deaf parent with two young sons – Jack, 12, who is hearing and Theo, 10, who has cerebral palsy, is deaf and a wheelchair user – both of whom are bright, engaging and a real credit to their mother. When children were young, Charlotte was raising them by herself which must have been incredibly challenging given their differing circumstances and needs. Charlotte has had to constantly struggle to ensure that Theo receives the necessary support and services. This would be hard enough for a hearing parent but immeasurably more difficult for a deaf parent. Likewise she has had to cope in an all-hearing environment to make sure Jack is being supported at his mainstream school. Charlotte, however, is indefatigable, never gives up and is constantly alert to any opportunity to improve and enhance the progress and wellbeing of both her boys. As Charlotte has said herself ‘In this house there’s no such word as ‘can’t!’
2) Community of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by NCT
Winner: Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group, North Wales Deaf Association
Highly Commended: Cheeky Monkey Family Group
Winner: Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group with Sue Saxey (Sponsor) and Eileen Hayes MBE (DPUK Ambassador)
Highly Commended: Cheeky Monkey Family Group
The Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group, North Wales Deaf Association organises events for Hearing parents of Deaf children and Deaf parents of Hearing children to meet, gain confidence and learn from each others experiences. The events are usually held once a month and are subsidised for its members. These events have included parties, trips to the theatre, and days at local shows and as they always ensure communication support is available, it gives Deaf parents and children a chance to enjoy the day without the barriers to communication they often face.
3) Professional Support of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by BSLworks
Winner: Dr Joanna Downes
Highly Commended: Maple Tomlin
Winner: Dr Joanne Downes with Sandra Duguid (Sponsor) and Professor Ulrike Zeshan (DPUK Ambassador)
Highly Commended: Maple Thomas
Dr Joanna Downes is a very positive role model. She is deaf, BSL user, mother to two hearing children and achieved her Doctorate in Child Attachment, the first dissertation of its kind in the UK She also provided one to one support for individual Deaf parents [with various communication needs] through very difficult times in their lives such as child protection procedures, separation, divorce, supporting parents to lodge complaints with the Police. Dr Downes became the first Deaf BSL professional to join Leicester City and Leicestershire Children’s Hearing Service Working Group (CHSWG) in its 12 year history of being established. Shortly after joining CHSWG, she became Co-Chair of this group and advocated most strongly for INFORMED parental choice for both Deaf and Hearing parents of Deaf and hearing children.
4) Best Practice of Working with Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Sprue Safety Products Ltd.
Winner: De Montfort University Midwifery Department.
Highly Commended: Science Museum
Winner: De Monfort University Midwifery Dept with John Caudle (Sponsor) and Mike Penning MP (DPUK Ambassador)
Highly Commended: Science Museum
DeMonfort University Midwifery Department went and beyond the call of duty in providing the first ever bespoke Awareness Training for midwifery students in being able to appropriately support all kinds of Deaf Parents needing to access Midwifery services. Development of a 12 hour Awareness Training programme consisting of what is Deafness, barriers faced by Deaf parents accessing midwifery services, the differing types and standards of communication professionals available. Development of a “fob” of essential signs for midwives to carry with them to assist with informal communications with Deaf parents Sourcing funding to further develop training for other health professionals through the use of e-learning, DVD’s. Supporting d/Deaf Parents as Guest Speakers and acknowledging their previous negative experiences of maternity care. What made the Midwifery Department personnel different were their openness, willingness, commitment, dedication and support of Deaf Parents directly.
5) Campaigner of Deaf Parent Award, sponsored by TFPL
Winner: Dr Joanna Downes
Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn- Thomas
Winner: Dr Joanne Downes with Darron Chapman (Sponsor) and Lilian Lawson OBE (DPUK Ambassador)
Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn-Thomas (Pauline Latchem accepted in Melissa's place)
Throughout her campaign work, Dr Joanna Downes was very clear about Deaf parents’ rights and their responsibilities. Dr Downes utilised national and international legal framework when dealing with professionals to ensure they were also made aware of their legal responsibilities in making their services accessible to Deaf Parents. Dr Downes also campaigned on the following issues at a strategic level:
- Bilingual education be considered and further developed for Deaf families in Leicester. The Local Children’s Safeguarding Board undertake an access audit of the services they provide to Deaf families in Leicester, previously Deaf families were not part of their “at risk” priority list.
- That the education / employment / legal / medical / mental health services consider their legal duties under the Equality Act.
- Those hearing children (Coda’s) who have Deaf parents are not used by professionals to act as Interpreters.
6) Friend of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Joseph Frasier Solicitors
Winner: Stuart Harrison
Highly Commended: Shazia Nasreen
Winner: Stuart Harrison with Ms Hinna Akhtar (Sponsor) and Clarissa Williams (DPUK Ambassador)
Highly Commended: Shazia Nasreen
Stuart Harrison is Deaf, BSL user and also uses speech. He is also a parent. He has a multitude of different roles including being self-employed. However, it is not his previous history…it is the support he has provided another Deaf parent for several years to assist them through a multitude of complex emotional, legal, mental health, domestic violence issues. Stuart’s support was pivotal to this Deaf parent. He maintained his sense of humour, his respect, his knowledge, skills and experience. He was able to provide appropriate information, advice and guidance for this parent. He was available to “be there” for the parent when times were particularly challenging for several years. The parent concerned is now thriving and a fully functioning member of society, the parent is involved in community activities and professional work.
7) Deaf Parenting UK Dedicated Staff sponsored by Deaf Parenting UK
Winner: Nicole Campbell
Winner: Nicole Campbell with Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of DPUK
8)Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by RAD
As no winner is found, further information on The Search for a Lifetime Achieving Deaf Parent can be found here. Deadline for Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination: Friday 2nd March 2012
“Our award winning Signed Stories website has been shortlisted for another award – this time from Deaf Parenting UK…” Read more with BSL clip from their Signpost website
Click the following for more info on:
The Awards event will take place on Fri 7th Oct from 10am to 1.30pm in London so come on, buy your tickets and join us!
DEAF PARENTING UK’S SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCEMENT
Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to announce the shortlist of all nominees for our Deaf Parenting UK Awards Event which is due to take place on Friday 7th October in Central London.
The Awards is to celebrate the 10 years anniversary of Deaf Parenting UK as a unique charity, the only one in UK and worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with a difference, where the Awards are to celebrate and applaud the commitment, dedication and determination of Deaf parents and professionals (who work with Deaf parents) from all over the country and from all walks of life, for their contribution to improve the quality of life for Deaf parents ranging from front-line service, community based and strategy levels.
The awards recognise all levels of achievement made by Deaf parents and professionals in the UK – whether professional or personal level. As well as increasing a candidate’s own personal profile, these awards are a wonderful opportunity to give your organisation/ company the recognition it deserves.
Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK explained: “Deaf Parenting UK was pleased to receive several nominations from individuals and groups across the UK and their independent panel of judges has a difficult job of going through every nomination before making their decision on the shortlist of nominees.
Deaf Parenting UK wish to thank to every one who made their nominations, all were very inspiring and wish to express their congratulations to all nominees who have been shortlisted as finalists for their positive contribution and making differences in many deaf parents’ lives. It’s an exciting time to witness such momentum in history of recognising Deaf parents and professionals in field of supporting Deaf parents.”
Penny Beschizza, Chair of Awards Judging Panel expressed the view of the judges: “The judging process was very interesting and challenging. We focused on the meaning of each Award title, which helped us to narrow down the criteria each time when we looked at the nominations. The way the nominations were presented also helped us to look for clear mention of Deaf Parenting. All our discussions were unbiased and balanced, aware of the potential implications of each Award in promoting DPUK’s aims for the Awards.”
Congratulation to the following finalists for the following Award categories and all winners will be announced on Friday 7th October at the Deaf Parenting UK Awards in London:
1) Positive Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by CommunicationID
- Bronwynne Buxton
- Charlotte Moulton-Thomas
- Marie Sneesby
- Melissa Mostyn-Thomas
2) Community of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
- Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group
- Cheeky Monkey Family Group
- Deaf-SELF
- The Arboretum Community Project and BSL Talking Hands
3) Professional Support of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by BSLworks
Dr Hilary Sutherland
Maple Tomlin
Dr Joanna Downes
Dr Mary Griggs
4) Best Practice of Working with Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Sprue Safety Products Ltd.
- Science Museum
- ITV Signed Stories
- DeMontfort University Midwifery Department.
5) Campaigner of Deaf Parent Award, sponsored by TFPL
- Tomato Lichy
- Melissa Mostyn-Thomas
- Dr Joanna Downes
6) Friend of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Joseph Frasier Solicitors
- Shazia Nasreen
7) Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD)
Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Summer 2011). In this issue you will find:
- News of Asif’s honour on receiving the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list
- Harrow Asian Deaf Club’s family fun day and their celebrations to mark DPUK’s 10th birthday
- An update on the Bristol Deaf Parenting Project
- Photos from DPUK’s family fun day to Legoland, Windsor
- Articles from some fascinating blogs of interest to Deaf Parents
- A reminder of DPUK’s 10th birthday star-studded awards ceremony
- A notice board full of forthcoming events
All links are accessible from our newsletter, but our glossary of websites and email addresses referred to in the newsletter provides quick access to important resources:
At the star-studded Awards, there will be fantastic award ceremony from 10.30am til 1.30pm including entertainment and music with well known Deaf performer Caroline Parker.
Delicious food will be served with tea, coffee, biscuits/pastries on arrival and a luxury hot buffet for lunch and round off with a cool dessert to tickle your taste buds.
Also it is perfect timing to meet new and old friends and support all nominees in recognition of their achievements.
There are more to look forward to including Raffles with some fantastic prizes including meal for 4 at one of stunning restaurant, family trip to Windsor Castle and many more.
And to celebrate Deaf Parenting UK 10th Anniversary, we have fabulous goodies bags to giveaway for everyone who attends the Awards ceremony!
Come on, buy your tickets now!
When: Friday 7th October 2011
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm (Door open at 10am)
Cost: £15 per person.
Dress Code: Smart clothes (no jeans/ trainers please)
How to pay for tickets as follow:
(If you are not sure how to use Paypal, contact us for booking form and complete your payment details, we can process your payment online)
(Deadline for Cheque is 1st September 2011 to allow time for cheque to clear into DPUK account)
Deadline for buying ticket is 16th September 2011.
Hurry, buy your tickets now before it sold out. Its on first come, first served so don’t miss out.
To learn more about DPUK Awards 2011, please go to our website: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/index.html
Free Deaf Parent Mentoring Course
- Are you a parent or someone who has cared for children?
- Would you enjoy supporting other Deaf families or
- are you someone who is already working with Deaf families?
If yes, you may be interested in doing this free course.
Where?
St Paul’s Children Centre, Bristol
When?
17 th September 2011,
22 nd October 2011,
5 th November 2011
3 rd December 2011
14 th January 2012,
11 th February 2012
10 th /11 th March 2012
Deaf speakers / facilitators will lead the course
Free crèche is provided
Topics include having fun with families, keeping up the modern time, feelings, alcohol/smoking/drugs, sexual issues and keeping the family healthy.
Contact Hilary, DPUK Bristol Coordinator at
hilary@hilarysutherland.co.uk
Or text 07766304998
Please see our poster and display them at your local Deaf club, family centres and any other places that Deaf parents goes to generate interests.
FREE Deaf Parenting Support Group run by Deaf Parenting UK
Are you a Deaf Parent/ Deaf Parent to be?
Want to mix with other Deaf Parents & children in a family friendly environment?
Want to receive information, support and advice on parenting?
Why not come along and find out what it is all about?
DPUK Camden Deaf Parenting Support Group – 2nd Friday of Every Month
Open to all Deaf parents/parents to be in Camden and neighbouring boroughs
Time:10am – 12 noon
When:
Friday 9th September 2011
Friday 14th October 2011
Friday 11th November 2011
Where: Harmood Children Centre, 1 Forge Place, Off Ferdinand Street NW1 8DQ
The Royal Association for Deaf People, in partnership with A4e (www.a4e.co.uk. http://www.a4e.co.uk/), started the Money Advice Service on 1 April 2011. The Service provides free, unbiased, clear and confidential advice to d/Deaf customers in British Sign Language (BSL). We provide communication support for d/Deaf people whose first language is spoken English.
To be eligible to access the service, customers must have a valid UK postal address to show that they are UK residents who live, study or work* in Greater London, Kent, Surrey or Essex.
* Work: applies to employees, the self-employed, freelance workers or volunteers.
The Service is funded by the Financial Service Industry through the Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/) and covers the following:
* Budgeting
* Savings and Investments
* Borrowings – credit cards, loans and mortgages
* Retirement planning and pensions
* Redundancy
* Tax and Welfare benefits including tax credits
* Protection (Insurance)
* Debt
* Starting a family
The Service is delivered in different locations so a further communication will follow with details of specific venues.
We also aim to make our service more accessible to those of you who have work commitments so we are more than happy to deliver the sessions in your workplace or college/university.
For further information and an appointment contact us on:
E-mail: money.advice@royaldeaf.org.uk
SMS: 07749 965725
Deaf Parenting UK is celebrating their 10years anniversary by joining force with Harrow Deaf Club on Sat 2nd July 2011 to have a fantastic family fun day with BBQ which was a great success and attended by 150 people including families and children of all ages.
We were so lucky, after a wet week, the sun shone through, everyone had so much fun, especially the children who had a various activities including art& craft of painting/ decorating their mirror frames, Tombola, Lucky Dip, face painting, Pinata, bouncy castle and some party games.
Adults met up with other Deaf parents and networked, enjoying delicious BBQ!
Deaf Parenting UK wish to thanks Harrow Asian Deaf Club for organizing such event as it is opportunity to recognize our charity work aswell as promoting fun day for Deaf parents and families.
Harrow Asian Deaf Club rounded off the day with a surprise 10years anniversary cake to Deaf Parenting UK, to the delight of all children and families involved who tucked in delicious cake.
DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARDS EVENT 2011 – Nominate someone now!
Why not nominate yourself or someone worthy of the award?
Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011 Powerpoint presentation clips – click here to view (click to run when prompt)
Do you know of:
- Deaf parents or professional who works hard to improve lives of Deaf parents?
- Someone in the community supporting Deaf parents?
- Someone eg neighbour or friend who supported your Deaf parents through difficult times?
- Best practice or new services accessible to Deaf parents?
- And many more….
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!Nominations are now open to individuals (including Deaf Parents, families, friends, neighbours, Samaritan) and Organisations (including Health, Social Services, Education, voluntary organisations & community groups).
Deadline for Nomination is 15th July 2011
There are 7 categories to nominate someone as follow. Please use one nomination form for every person you wish to nominate and choosing one category per person.
Awards Categories
- Positive Deaf Parent Award - For Deaf parent, who made a difference as a positive role model to others aswell as making positive contribution.
- Community of Deaf Parents Award - For individual/ groups who have been working towards improving community, supporting Deaf Parents and enabling Deaf Parents to participate in the Community.
- Professional Support of Deaf Parents Award - For professional who have made difference to the life of Deaf Parents.
- Friend of Deaf Parents Award - a personal recognition of friendship, for an individual e.g.: friend, family or even a neighbour/ Samaritan who have supported a Deaf parent through a difficult time and nomination are encouraged from children of Deaf parents or their families who have found an individual worthy of this award.
- Best Practice of Working with Deaf Parents Award - For Service Providers who have made difference above and beyond the call of duty, an innovative or new practice that we all could learn from.
- Campaigner of Deaf Parents Award - For individual who has fought against all odds for the benefit of Deaf Parents, fighting for the right of access to services of Deaf Parents and for their children.
- Lifetime Achievement Award - For individual’s lifetime work and success in improving the quality of lives of Deaf parents.
Nominate now
Two options of making your nomination:
1) Download the DPUK Nomination Form (Words), please click here and send it by email to awards@deafparent.org.uk
2) Complete the Nomination Form online, please click here and follow instruction on the form to submit it online.
Thanks and Good luck with your nomination!
Deadline for nomination: 15th July 2011.
Ticket also now for Sale to our Awards event which will be on Friday 7th Oct in Central London. An event – not to be missed!
Early Bird Discount (until 15th July 2011) £10 per person
Full price (1st August – 16th September 2011) £15 per person
Deadline for buying ticket is 16th September 2011. Venue will hold 200 people maximum so buy your tickets now. Its on first come, first serve so don’t miss out.
Please spread the word or distribute the flyer (downloadable from our website) to as many as possible to Deaf Parents, their families, friends, Samaritans, Neighbours, or to your local Deaf clubs, Deaf Associations/ Centre, workplace, heath services, social services and education eg your child’s school/ college etc and encourage them to make their nomination.
Flyer available from: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/DPUKflyer.pdf
To learn more about DPUK Awards 2011, please go to our website: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/index.html
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Highly Commended: Science Museum
