Portsmouth mum launches deaf club for children

The Portsmouth resident, who is deaf herself, was inspired to start the group by her 10-year-old son Riley.

Lindsey hopes her Saturday Kids Zone will reach out to both deaf and hearing children in deaf families, to help them make friends and take part in fun activities on a fortnightly basis.

She said: ‘When I was a child I was part of a weekly deaf club.

‘We did activities every half-term and holidays and I made friends.

‘I was happy, and most of all, I felt included.

‘This club will change the children’s lives. They will make life-long friends who are in the same situation as them.

‘They will feel comfortable in the environment surrounded by deaf role model volunteers and children who are in the same shoes as them.

‘And they can relax and have fun.’

She added: ‘Riley has always struggled with peers.

‘He is a very hard worker and a lovely boy. He is incredibly friendly and loves to chat about his interests.

‘But he struggles in groups of children due to a lack of understanding by them.

‘We all deserve to feel heard, wanted and included.’

Riley expressed his excitement with the Saturday Kids Zone launch. He said: ‘This club will get me new friends and I’m excited to meet deaf children like myself.’

The first club date is to be launched on Saturday, November 11 at the Portsmouth Deaf Centre, on Arundel Street.

Lindsey hopes to include games, a tuck shop and aims to help in teaching children sign language.

The club has a band of supporters behind it including charity Chloe and Sophie’s Special Ear Fund which is helping with funding.

To make a donation for equipment and use of the hall visit gofundme.com/saturdaykidszone.