Auditory Verbal UK

24/04/2026

👶 This is who…

is proving deaf children can go to university 🎓

Ahead of Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May) Aimee is challenging outdated perceptions of what deaf children can do and achieve. When deaf children have access to vital early, effective support to develop language and communication – whether they use sign language, spoken language or both – their opportunities are transformed.

Aimee, who is now studying at Cambridge University, was diagnosed with bilateral moderate hearing loss after her newborn hearing screening. Her parents had no experience of deafness and felt overwhelmed - but they were determined to find early, effective support.
At five months old, Aimee received her first hearing aids. Soon after, her family discovered Auditory Verbal (AV) therapy. Supported by AVUK, they began a journey that helped Aimee learn to listen and talk.

“AV therapy gave us the tools to support Aimee to listen and acquire language,” her parents share. “She thrived — and at each assessment, she was well above her age for speaking skills.”

🎉 Aimee completed her AV programme at four and a half with age appropriate language. Today, she’s studying Human, Political & Social Sciences at Queens' College, Cambridge.

17/04/2026

Great to see this important issue highlighted by Herald.Wales.

Families of deaf children including Grace’s family in Cardiff are joining calls to Welsh political parties to commit to ensuring all deaf children have access to early, effective support to develop their language and communication - whether families use sign language, spoken language, or both - and have the same opportunities as their hearing peers.

Grace was diagnosed as deaf as a baby and graduated from the Auditory Verbal therapy programme in the summer of 2025. After being supported to listen and speak

Grace is now flourishing at mainstream school and loves writing, colouring, drawing, dressing up, singing and dancing just like her hearing friends. Something her family never thought they would see.

Grace’s Mum Rhian said: “We are so incredibly proud of Grace and what she has achieved. It’s not only her speech which has developed so wonderfully but also her confidence. Simply being able to use her voice to express herself is amazing and a place I often wondered if we would reach.

“But we know that many families are not as lucky as us and don’t have access to essential early and effective support for their deaf children and this has to change.”
Read the full story from Herald Wales:
🔗

Charity warns most deaf children are missing out on vital early support. FAMILIES of deaf children across Wales are urging political leaders to take

13/04/2026

🎉🏅 A huge WELL DONE to our amazing Team AVUK runners! 🏅🎉

You did it! Every one of you who took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon yesterday has achieved something incredible — and we couldn’t be prouder.

By running for Auditory Verbal UK, you’ve helped raise vital funds so more deaf children can learn to listen and speak.

Your dedication, energy and heart have made a real difference. Thank you for every mile, every step, and every bit of fundraising along the way. 💛

Congratulations, Team AVUK — you’re incredible. 🌟

Here are a few photos of Duncan (AVUK Trustee) and Helen and the team (from Kintbury Capital) who took on the race.

It’s not too late to donate now to support more deaf children to learn to listen and speak: https://www.justgiving.com/page/duncan-king-3

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helendawson-1766567779877

12/04/2026

💙 Good luck to our incredible runners taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon today!
Duncan is lacing up his trainers to help more deaf babies and children access life‑changing Auditory Verbal (AV) therapy — supporting them to learn to listen, talk and thrive. We couldn’t be prouder of everyone running for this cause.
Support Duncan’s run: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/duncan-king-3?newPage=true

🌟 Meet Duncan — taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for deaf children

Duncan is lacing up his trainers for the London Landmarks Half Marathon to help more deaf babies and children access life changing Auditory Verbal (AV) therapy, support them to learn to listen, talk and thrive.

After retiring from a long career in the public sector, Duncan wanted to use his time to make a real difference for children and families. He found that opportunity with Auditory Verbal UK and became a trustee where he’s seen first hand how early support can transform a deaf child’s opportunities.

Running has always been part of Duncan’s story. From half marathons to the London Marathon back in 1993, it’s a passion he rediscovered after a gentle nudge from his daughter and a “one off” 5km Parkrun in 2024 — a one off that turned into something much more!

Now, Duncan is putting those miles to powerful use. On 12 April 2026, he’ll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon with a fundraising target of £1,000, helping ensure more deaf children can access AV therapy and have the same opportunities as their hearing peers.

Duncan says:
“AVUK makes such a difference to the lives of deaf babies, children and their families. Combining my love of running with fundraising felt like the perfect way to help more deaf children access the support they need. Any donation, big or small, will make a real difference.”

💛 Duncan, we’re so grateful for your commitment and determination.

💙 Support Duncan and help more deaf children learn to listen and talk: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/duncan-king-3?newPage=true

09/04/2026

Our film First Day has been shortlisted for the Charity Film Awards — and thanks to your support, we’ve made it to the final round of voting.

First Day follows Rian as he gets ready to start school. Born deaf, Rian learned to listen and speak with Auditory Verbal therapy on our family programme. His story shows what’s possible with early, effective support — friendships, laughter and learning.

By voting, you could help us win £3,000 or £10,000 to support even more deaf children and their families.

🗳️ Voting closes 23 April
👉 Cast your vote here: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/first-day

Thank you for your support 💛

Media Trust

07/04/2026

🌟 Meet Duncan — taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for deaf children

Duncan is lacing up his trainers for the London Landmarks Half Marathon to help more deaf babies and children access life changing Auditory Verbal (AV) therapy, support them to learn to listen, talk and thrive.

After retiring from a long career in the public sector, Duncan wanted to use his time to make a real difference for children and families. He found that opportunity with Auditory Verbal UK and became a trustee where he’s seen first hand how early support can transform a deaf child’s opportunities.

Running has always been part of Duncan’s story. From half marathons to the London Marathon back in 1993, it’s a passion he rediscovered after a gentle nudge from his daughter and a “one off” 5km Parkrun in 2024 — a one off that turned into something much more!

Now, Duncan is putting those miles to powerful use. On 12 April 2026, he’ll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon with a fundraising target of £1,000, helping ensure more deaf children can access AV therapy and have the same opportunities as their hearing peers.

Duncan says:
“AVUK makes such a difference to the lives of deaf babies, children and their families. Combining my love of running with fundraising felt like the perfect way to help more deaf children access the support they need. Any donation, big or small, will make a real difference.”

💛 Duncan, we’re so grateful for your commitment and determination.

💙 Support Duncan and help more deaf children learn to listen and talk: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/duncan-king-3?newPage=true

02/04/2026

Join us for coffee and play online! ☕

We’re excited to announce the date of our next online coffee morning — a warm, welcoming space to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn more about Auditory Verbal therapy. Children are welcome to join too.

🕤 10.00am–11.30am on Friday 17 April

💻 Online via Teams

We’re delighted to welcome a special guest: Author Rob Holmes — children’s author, illustrator and creator of the much‑loved Master Owl books. Rob’s stories explore emotional wellbeing, resilience and confidence in a way that’s accessible and uplifting for children and families. He’ll be joining us to talk about his work, his inspiration, and how storytelling can support children’s mindfulness.

During the session, we’ll chat about the realities of being a parent of a deaf child — the challenges, the joys, and ways to build self‑care into busy family life. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and caregivers who understand the journey.

Book your place: https://ow.ly/gFkA50YB9CJ

Questions? Send us a message or call 01869 325000. We’d love to see you there.

31/03/2026

“Our Auditory Verbal therapy sessions at AVUK are online through telepractice and they work really, really well — and Oscar loves them.” — Megan, Oscar’s mum

Oscar, from Exeter, was diagnosed as deaf and with no local options available, his family turned to Auditory Verbal therapy to support him to learn to listen and speak.

Thanks to support with online Auditory Verbal therapy sessions, Oscar has:
⭐ Developed spoken language skills on par with his hearing peers
🏫 Started school alongside his hearing friends
📚 Become a brilliant reader
🤝 Grown in confidence

Megan says, “Now aged 7, Oscar’s expressive and receptive language and reading skills are significantly above his age (12 years), which wouldn’t have been possible without that early intervention from AVUK.”

Telepractice means families like Oscar’s can access Auditory Verbal therapy sessions no matter where they live in the UK, fitting therapy into everyday routines and seeing life changing progress[V(3.1]. It also means reducing time to travel to appointments. [CN4.1]

If you'd like to find out more about our family programme of Auditory Verbal therapy, complete our enquiry form https://www.avuk.org/forms/family-enquiry
or call 01869 325000

30/03/2026

Join our free Nurturing Programme – a 10-week online course for parents and carers of deaf children aged 2–5, delivered in partnership with The Centre for Emotional Health.

🧠 Learn strategies to support emotional wellbeing
🧡 Build stronger family connections
💻 Join from anywhere – sessions every Wednesday, 7-9pm from 29 April 2026
📣 100% of parents who have previously participated recommend it!

💬 “This course has taught me so much and given me more confidence to be a better parent. I feel happier being more able to deal with stressors of family life and I feel certain that doing this course has improved the lives of my family and I. The facilitators are excellent, empathetic, and encouraging.”

🔗 Book your free place: https://www.avuk.org/Event/the-nurturing-programme-april-2026

26/03/2026

Our latest family survey results show the impact of our Auditory Verbal (AV) programme and our support services are having on deaf children and their families across the UK.

We are incredibly proud to continue providing high‑quality Auditory Verbal therapy and family support that makes a real difference every day and again receive overwhelmingly positive responses that mirrors feedback we’ve received in previous years.

A huge thank you to all the families that responded to this year’s survey and for providing hugely valuable feedback – we are very grateful. 💗

Read more here: https://www.avuk.org/News/2026-family-survey-results

24/03/2026

🎬 Rian has something to share… we need your vote!

Our film First Day has been shortlisted for the Charity Film Awards — and thanks to your support, we’ve made it to the final of voting.

First Day follows Rian as he gets ready to start school. Born deaf, Rian learned to listen and speak with Auditory Verbal therapy on our family programme. His story shows what’s possible with early, effective support — friendships, laughter and learning.

By voting, you could help us win £3,000 or £10,000 to support even more deaf children and their families.

🗳️ Voting closes 23 April
👉 Cast your vote here: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/first-day

Thank you for your support 💛

Media Trust,

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17/03/2026