A WORCESTER charity has been shortlisted to receive £2,000 of funding to help isolated deaf children reach their potential.
Deaf Direct, which supports youngsters with hearing loss, has recently been shortlisted for the funding from Provident’s ‘Good Neighbour Community Programme’, after being nominated online by city residents.
Up against eight other organisations, the charity needs the most number of online votes before Sunday, September 25 to win the cash.
The charity has said it will use the funding to provide nine Deaf Direct ‘Youth Camp’ placements, which help to teach those with hearing loss new skills through activities such as canoeing, abseiling and surfing, whilst having fun and boosting confidence.
The camp is free to attend for children, but the charity desperately needs funding to ensure the next one can go ahead.
Provident’s Good Neighbour Programme has invested more than £1 million into community projects across the UK since last year.
Philip Gerrard, chief executive of Deaf Direct, said: “Being shortlisted in Provident’s Good Neighbour Programme is fantastic news and we feel really honoured to have been nominated by the people of Worcester.
“We believe our work makes a real difference in our local community by providing support, training and information to people living with hearing loss.
“We would love to do even better work in the city with the help of this funding, which will support isolated deaf young people to reach their potential.”
Andy Parkinson, Provident Home credit director, said: “Our Good Neighbour Programme is all about recognising projects and organisations, no matter how small.
“Deaf Direct is a perfect example of that and we’ve been thrilled to see so many nominations from local residents.”
Visit www.providentgoodneighbour.co.uk/vote-for-your-community to vote or for more information.
