The Elizabeth Foundation

The Elizabeth Foundation is based in Hampshire, and teaches deaf and hearing-impaired children to learn to listen and speak, helping them to reach their potential.

We’ll be funding the charity’s ‘Let’s Get Talking’ project, which will provide 368 sessions for deaf youngsters, aged between 3-5, over the course of a year. Many of these children will have no or limited speech, and may use a variety of hearing techniques, but it’s hoped that the small group sessions will help increase their confidence and ability to communicate, interact and speak. 

Toby is just one of the youngsters who receives support from The Elizabeth Foundation. His parents share his story: 

“Our son Toby was diagnosed as profoundly deaf when he was just 8 weeks old. It was for us a devastating moment as we knew very little about deafness and even less about the support and technology available for families like ours. We assumed immediately that his would be a world of silence and signing. 

Then, by chance, we attended our first outing arranged by a local deaf children’s society and another parent mentioned that her son went to The Elizabeth Foundation. She described it as an amazing charity that had helped her son immeasurably. 

Following this glowing recommendation, and with nothing to lose, we drove the 50 miles to the centre and met with staff from the charity. Their enthusiasm, positivity, reassurance and expert knowledge made us feel like we had really found a place for Toby, which would help him have the very best start in life. 

We started attending the baby group when Toby was just 7 months old. The support from the team and the other 

parents in a similar position has been invaluable. Nearly 3 years later, and having been fitted with Cochlear Implants, Toby is thriving and The Elizabeth Foundation have been there for us every step of the way. We are truly grateful for all their support. 

My hope is that Toby grows up a deaf child, proud of who he is and with every opportunity available to him. Thanks to the wonderful support we’ve had as a family from The Elizabeth Foundation that certainly seems possible.”