Surrey Deaf Children's Society

The Surrey Deaf Children's Society (SDCS) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting deaf children and their families in Surrey. Registered as a charity (Charity number: 208084), SDCS operates primarily through a volunteer committee composed of parents who have at least one deaf child. The organisation's mission is to enrich the lives of deaf children and young adults by providing support, information, and opportunities for social engagement through various events and workshops.

History and Structure

SDCS is run on a voluntary basis by a group of passionate parents balancing their commitments to the charity alongside their jobs and family responsibilities. The society functions to connect deaf children and their families with one another, as well as with deaf adults, thereby fostering a supportive community environment.

Activities and Services

The charity organises frequent events tailored to preschool, primary, junior, and secondary-aged children within Surrey. These events aim to be inclusive, supporting families who communicate through oral/aural methods as well as British Sign Language (BSL).

SDCS provides a network for families to share experiences and information based on the members' own lived experiences with deafness. This support network helps to break down barriers related to deafness and contributes to personal and social development for deaf children.

Governance and Funding

The charity is governed by three trustees and supported by seven volunteers. No trustees receive remuneration, and the organisation does not have any trading subsidiaries. For the financial year ending December 31, 2023, SDCS reported a total income of £17,980 and an expenditure of £24,522.

Vision and Values

The Surrey Deaf Children's Society strives to actively enrich the lives of deaf children, young adults, and their families by delivering aims aligned with the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). The focus is on engagement through fun, educational activities and providing a robust support network.

This summary reflects the Surrey Deaf Children's Society's commitment to enhancing the experience and wellbeing of deaf children and their families in Surrey through peer support, informative resources, and inclusive events.[1][2][3][4]

[1] https://surreydeaf.co.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/208084 [3] https://surreydeaf.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/208084/full-print [5] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/surrey-deaf-childrens-society-162842