Around 90% of deaf children are born to hearing families and over 75% attend mainstream schools with little or no specialist provision. Lack of support often means that they encounter communication barriers every day of their lives at school and in their social and home lives. As a result, deaf children commonly experience social isolation, poor mental health, low self-esteem and poor educational outcomes.

Deaf Roots & Pride provides mentoring support from Deaf role models and group activities for deaf children and young people aged between 8 and 20. DRP aims to support them to see the positives in their deaf identities and to build their confidence and aspirations in negotiating key transitions and preparing for adult life. We believe that access to Deaf role models, activities involving other deaf children and families, and providing support in British Sign Language are all crucial in empowering vulnerable deaf children.