The launch featured Cathie Robins-Talbot (Youth Development Manager) asking young people to send their leaves to be put onto the Tree of Knowledge. This consultation is very important, and an opportunity for all deaf young people to have a 'voice' and state what you expect from the BDA, what you would like us to be trying to do to meet your needs, and expectations to help you to become happy, fulfilled, informed, and confident young people.

Cathie said: "The response from the launch has been fantastic. Schools and colleges across the country have sent in requests for the leaf cards. We have also started to get some replies back, and many organisations, youth clubs and activity groups are asking for more. Some schools and colleges have requested visits to explain more about the BDA's consultation and I am in the process of making those arrangements.

"I am looking forward to those face-to-face meetings. The BDA Congress in Bournemouth was also a great success and I would just like this opportunity to remind people the age range for the purpose of the consultation is from 7yrs to 30yrs. We are interested not only in the here and now but also in the future. We want to make sure that when this consultation is completed it will represent the views of all children and young people who have an opinion on what they would like to see happening, or involved in and how they think the BDA can support this.

"Julie Evans is one of my volunteers and her job is to record all the requests for leaf cards and the replies.  We are pleased to say the tree is beginning to look much better and has more leaves. We are hoping that you will keep Julie busy by asking for leaves for your school, college, university, youth club, social groups and of course Deaf clubs. If you are an organisation that works with deaf children or young people, then please contact us and we will be more than happy to send out postcards to you.

"The cards are freepost so there is no cost to reply to us. I am looking forward to reading your ideas and views so please keep them coming in. I hope we will have so many leaves we might need another tree to put them all on!"

Cathie hopes to make as many personal visits as possible to schools, colleges, youth centres and Deaf clubs to explain more about the consultation. If you would like to request a visit or some leaf postcards please email: cathier-t@bda.org.uk  

Watch this space.....