Two profoundly deaf London teenagers this week inspired a prestigious audience at a House of Commons event highlighted the urgent need for investment to ensure all deaf children can reach their potential.

Jasper Loten (14) and Lauren Press (16) were among six young people who are all top prize winners of a writing competition organised by charity Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) as part of it’s Power of Speech event on Tuesday June 14th.

AVUK is the only UK charity supporting deaf babies and children to learn to listen and speak through a highly effective specialist early intervention programme which is delivering outstanding results around the world. AVUK is challenging perceptions of what deaf children can achieve and wants to see Auditory Verbal programmes available for families who want their child to learn to listen and talk, readily available through publicly funded services.

AVUK Chief Executive Anita Grover said: “Our amazing event celebrated what deaf children can achieve and why it is so important that families are able to access timely and effective support in the critical first few years of their child’s lives. Far too many deaf children are underachieving at school, have poorer employment prospects and are at higher risk of poor mental health, bullying and social exclusion. And that really should not be the case. When children have access to effect and early support, opportunities in life are transformed.”

Jasper from Kingston-upon- Thames said: “It was an amazing event to be involved in and such a great opportunity for me to share my experiences of being deaf.”

And Lauren from Barnet added: “It was a real privilege to speak at the House of Commons to support AVUK and all the wonderful work they do. All the children were fantastic and inspiring, and I hope that collectively we have raised awareness about the importance of early educational intervention for deaf and hard of hearing children”

Please see attached a full news release and some photographs – we have more if you would like them or if you would like to speak to either of the families are anyone from AVUK please let me know.