Berkshire Deaf Children's Society

Berkshire Deaf Children's Society (BDCS) is a UK-based registered charity dedicated to supporting deaf and hearing-impaired infants, children, and their families. Established in July 2018, the society was formed through the merger of the South East Berkshire Deaf Children’s Society and the Reading Deaf Children’s Society. It is a parent-run organization, reflecting the experiences and needs of families with hearing-impaired children to provide tailored assistance and community support[1][2].

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of BDCS is to offer help and support to children with varying levels and types of hearing loss, regardless of their communication methods. Membership is free and open to anyone with an interest in supporting deaf children, which encourages inclusivity and community building among affected families[1].

BDCS organizes a full calendar of outings, social activities, and events throughout the year. These gatherings aim to facilitate informal social interactions among families, provide support and advice, and create opportunities for hearing-impaired children to connect with peers and deaf role models. Through these activities, the society fosters a nurturing environment that promotes socialization and empowerment for children with hearing impairments[1][2].

Fundraising and Affiliation

The charity funds its activities through fundraising efforts, enabling it to maintain a regular schedule of social and community events. BDCS is affiliated with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), benefiting from access to NDCS's extensive resources, information, and expertise to enhance its support services[1].

Governance and Structure

Being a parent-led charity, BDCS operates with significant input from families directly affected by childhood deafness. This governance model ensures that the society’s initiatives and support systems remain closely aligned with the real-world needs of its beneficiaries[2].

Berkshire Deaf Children's Society continues to play a vital role within Berkshire by creating a supportive network and enhancing the quality of life for hearing-impaired children and their families through advocacy, social engagement, and access to relevant resources.

[1] https://berkshiredcs.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1025966 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1025966/contact-information [4] https://rva.org.uk/organisation/readingdeafchildrens/ [5] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/berkshire-deaf-childrens-society