Deaf News: NDCS searches for talented deaf young people to join Young People’s Advisory Board

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) is calling on deaf young people across the UK to join their award-winning Young People’s Advisory Board (YAB) to help break down the barriers that deaf children and young people face.

The new Board will help ensure deaf children and young people have a strong voice in all matters that affect their lives, both at a local and national level.

The YAB, which meets four times a year, was set up in 2011 as a platform for deaf young people to challenge inequality, shape services at NDCS and promote positive images of deaf young people.

Former Board members have successfully taken legal action against the government, won a ‘Youth on Board’ award from the British Youth Council, advised the NHS on audiology services and helped NDCS on numerous campaigns and projects.

Liam, a current YAB member, said: “Being a YAB member has made a difference to me in so many different ways. My deafness is one of the main things I am passionate about and it’s been brilliant to voice my opinion on issues that matter to me.

“Over the past year, I’ve met some great deaf role models, made new contacts and friends for life in my fellow YAB members and have had experiences that will definitely help me later on in life.

“For deaf young people, I can’t recommend the YAB enough!”

Lucy Read, Head of Children and Young People’s Participation at NDCS, said: “Young people are at the heart of all we do at NDCS. The Young People’s Advisory Board is crucial to our work, helping us to understand and tackle the specific challenges that deaf young people face.

“It also gives young people the unique opportunity to gain invaluable skills and experience ranging from campaigning to media interviews. We urge all deaf young people to apply and help us make a real difference to the lives of the 45,000 deaf children in the UK.”

Applicants must be aged between 11 and 18 years old. Entries are open NOW and run until 11 October. For an application form, email cyp@ndcs.org.uk with “Join the YAB” in the subject line or go to www.buzz.org.uk/jointheYAB

Please note that the applicant and their parent/ carer will need to complete the application form.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal interview in 4 different UK locations between 26 October and 5 November.