Children’s Hearing Services Working Groups (CHSWGs)
The National Deaf Children’s Society put parents at the centre of developing family friendly services by supporting them to be representatives on local Children's Hearing Services Working Groups (CHSWGs).
The CHSWGs, based in health authority areas, ensure that all services designed to support deaf children and their families work in a co-coordinated way. Each group includes representatives from health, social services, education, the local voluntary sector, and crucially, parents of deaf children who contribute a unique perspective.
During the past three years NDCS, with the support of The Health Foundation, has delivered training, information, advice and support to those establishing or developing their CHSWGs. The project has now come to an end and we are currently looking at ways to support groups in the future.
Over 70 parents were supported by this project and now sit on CHSWGs and represent parents views on these groups. The aim is to have at least one parent on every group throughout the UK. There are still areas that need parental representation.
The CHSWG groups are giving the opportunity for parents to have a voice and make a difference in their local provision.
The Terms of Reference of the Exeter, East and Mid Devon CHSWG click here and to read the Minutes of the last meeting held on 13 October 2010 click here.