Deaf children can often be quite isolated.  Many have to travel a distance to school and so do not have local friends they can easily get together with.  Deafness can lead to communication problems that make it hard for the children to mix easily in a mainstream environment.  Deaf children need a varied and active social life out of school, just like anyone else, and so we aim to provide opportunities for the children to get together. Families too appreciate the opportunity to meet other families in similar situations.
These include:

• Youth clubs for children, jointly run with Derby City Council 
  Hands & Voice Youth Club for aged 11+ and Club 43 for aged 13+ 
• Regular family activities, including hearing brothers and sisters to join in
• Occasional special events, such as the Christmas Sign and Sing
• Evening get togethers for parents and carers, without the children.

DDCS is also a partner in the Early Years Centre for young deaf children
and their families, providing a drop-in centre and point of contact for
families with pre-school deaf children.