Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers will be given a boost of confidence in the upcoming Hear For You workshop in Bundaberg.
The focus of the life goals and skills blast workshop is to bring together deaf and hard of hearing teenagers with inspiring mentors – exploring a range of issues through group, peer, and one-on-one mentoring.
These mentors have lived experience when it comes to deafness, and the workshop will cover topics including identity, confidence, teamwork and leadership.
The Hear for You organisation was set up to make the bumpy teenage ride a little smoother for deaf teenagers.
Visiting Bundaberg during last year’s inaugural workshop in the region, mentor Dan Jarvis said it was important to connect with teenagers who were in a similar boat to what he went through as an adolescent, while having some fun and learning skills from a deafness perspective.
“It’s great to see a group of deaf/hard of hearing teenagers come to together to share their experiences in mainstream society,” Dan said.
“Throughout the two day workshop, watching the teenagers confidence shine is a rewarding experience”
Held at the end of August, the Hear For You workshop is a condensed version of the flagship life goals and skills program, which normally runs over four months.
This year’s Hear For You workshop will be structured a little differently, where participants will get to enjoy the outdoors at Chaverim Outdoor Education and Environment Centre.
Teenagers will work with the Hear For You mentors on building strategies to navigate the many different situations they encounter in school and home life.
Families of deaf and hard of hearing teenagers are invited to attend the August 28 – 29 workshop also, with a parent seminar held on the Saturday.
For more information on the Hear for You workshop click here.
