National Deaf Children’s Society - Support and advice

The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) is the UK’s leading childhood deafness charity. We support deaf children and young people aged 0–25, no matter their level or type of deafness or how they communicate. We also support parents and carers, extended family members, and the professionals who work with them.

How we can support you

• Free advice and guidance
  Our friendly advisers offer free, independent advice and one‑to‑one support to help families understand their options and secure appropriate support for their deaf child or young person.
• Information and resources
  Our website, publications and newsletters provide trusted information to help families make informed choices, understand deafness, access deaf‑friendly services, and learn from other families.
• Connecting families
  We run online and in‑person events, as well as moderated online forums, giving families opportunities to meet others, share experiences, grow confidence and learn from deaf role models and specialists.
• Trying the latest technology
  Our Technology Loan Service allows deaf children and young people to try out equipment such as radio aids and vibrating alarm clocks before deciding what works best for them.
• Raising deaf awareness
  We work with schools and community groups across the UK to raise awareness of deafness, introduce deaf role models and promote inclusion.
• Campaigning for change
  We campaign alongside deaf children, young people and their families to improve services, influence policy and challenge unfair decisions.

Local NDCS Contact – Hull

Fiona Neilson – Community Connector (Hull area)

Fiona Neilson is the NDCS Community Connector for the Hull area. She is a parent of a deaf child and uses her parent/carer lived experience to provide empathetic, practical and family‑centred support to families and professionals.

The Community Connector role supports families and professionals across Hull by:

• Sharing information about NDCS services and resources
• Providing informal guidance and signposting
• Linking families into local and national NDCS support

How to contact Fiona

• Email: Fiona.Neilson@ndcs.org.uk
• Text only (SMS): 07812 419 362

Helpline

• Phone (voice & text): 0808 800 8880
• Text (SMS): 07860 022 888

Helpline opening hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9am – 5pm
• Friday: 9am – 12.30pm