How did you get into this? I started as a youth worker aged 17 in my home town of Hull. Then, while studying software engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, I got involved in a project called Louder than Words, which meant visiting mainstream schools and getting deaf students involved in creating a show. I then joined the Sheffield Befriending Project for Deaf Children for two years. I also did a year's placement for volunteering body VSO in the Philippines. When I came back to this country, I applied for the post of deaf youth project co-ordinator for east London. Then I was promoted to youth service manager.
Why is your work important? Deaf children in hearing families miss out on the opportunity to develop their natural language skills. I can signpost young people in the right direction and empower them.
I think I'm a role model for them. A lot of deaf young people don't meet deaf adults and don't know what the future can hold.
What's the most challenging aspect?
We don't have enough funds to employ staff. There's a lack of deaf people who are qualified in youth work; we need more, and youth clubs for deaf young people need to be open more often than once a month.
