Parent Support Groups
Our monthly get-togethers are the backbone of this charity. They're where friendships form, knowledge is shared, and parents realise they're not doing this alone.
Meeting Details
When: First Saturday of each month, 10:00 – 12:00
Where: A community venue in central Croydon (details confirmed by email)
Who: Parents, carers, grandparents, and other family members of deaf children
Cost: Free — refreshments provided
Children welcome: Yes — we set up activities for younger children
What to Expect
There's nothing formal about our parent groups. You won't be asked to stand up and introduce yourself, and there's no structured programme to follow. People arrive, make a cup of tea, and talk. Some conversations are practical — tips on keeping hearing aids on a toddler, which schools are good, how to fill in a DLA form. Others are more personal — the frustrations, the small victories, the things you can't easily say to people who don't share the experience.
New members often tell us they were nervous beforehand but relieved within minutes. There's something powerful about being in a room where everyone understands without you having to explain. You don't have to be articulate or "together" — you just have to be honest.
Who Comes
Our groups attract a real mix. Parents of newborns who are still in the early stages of the diagnosis sit alongside parents of teenagers who've been navigating the system for years. We have families who use BSL, families who've chosen a spoken language approach, and families who use a combination. The group isn't affiliated with any particular communication philosophy, and all approaches are respected.
Grandparents and other family members are welcome too. We know that deafness affects the whole family, and extended family members often have their own questions and concerns.
Guest Speakers
A few times a year we invite a guest speaker to share expertise on a topic parents have asked about. Past speakers have included:
- An audiologist explaining how hearing tests work and what the results mean.
- A teacher of the deaf talking about educational options for deaf children.
- A representative from the NDCS discussing their support services.
- A DLA advisor explaining how to make a successful application.
- A deaf adult sharing their experience of growing up deaf in the UK.
Speakers are always chosen based on what parents tell us they want to know. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, let us know.
For Parents Who Can't Attend in Person
We understand that Saturday mornings don't work for everyone. If you can't make the group, you can still connect with us and other parents by email. We also share key information and updates through our mailing list. Get in touch at [email protected] to be added.
Your First Visit
If you're thinking about coming for the first time, here are a few things that might help:
- You don't need to register or book. Just turn up.
- Bring your children if you like — there'll be things for them to do.
- You don't have to share anything about your situation unless you want to.
- If you'd feel more comfortable knowing someone before you arrive, email us beforehand and we'll arrange for a familiar face to meet you.
Our group is one small part of the support we offer. If you're newly diagnosed, you might also benefit from our one-to-one parent mentoring service. And our resource guides are always available if you prefer to read at your own pace.
We look forward to meeting you.