MEET THE TEAM

Buzzzzzzz, I will tell you a secret. I am a Stingless bee, and I don’t have any eardrums. This means that I pick up vibrations like deaf people and I beat my wings to talk, like some of you use British Sign Language to communicate. Mmmh. I love dancing day and night in my hive, wearing yellow and black and looking cool. Now, I have a very important job. I fly around and find information for you. I pick up all of your vibrations to work out what you are saying. I like commenting on stories and talking to you. Come and find me on the Buzz!

Hi guys & girls! I’m deaf like you and I’m here to make the Buzz website into the most awesome website in the entire universe. I spend hours writing your stories, adding events and information. In the time I have left, I do everything else, netball, yoga, read, cook, party and I love going on planes to Asia, to ride with elephants! The Buzz is pretty hot already, but it can be even better. If you think you have what it takes to write or film something for the Buzz, zoom straight to your inbox and you may get to meet more people!

“I love supporting young people to realise they can make a difference –so it’s lucky that I work as a Participation Officer at NDCS, where I get to do it everyday! My job is making sure the NDCS is an organisation that does what you need it to do – so get involved and tell us! I also work with our brilliant Youth Advisory Board (it has young people like you who love to talk about change) I make sure their ideas and experiences influence the things that NDCS provide for all young deaf people. Outside of work I love making things including cakes and friends (and sometimes a mess)”

“I get to give useful advice to young deaf people from all over the UK. I can show some of you how to become more independent at home, listen to music through your mp3 player, and save money at the cinema! I want to make sure that information for young deaf people is easy to get, and to have better deaf awareness in schools. I like listening to music and travelling. I have visited Peru, Costa Rica and Vietnam because I enjoy learning about different cultures. I see more of the UK when driving around with the Listening Bus, but do tell me where I should visit!"

“I love my job because I love working with deaf young people. I manage the Me2 project and it’s great to see it helping sports, leisure and arts clubs and groups to be deaf friendly so you can get involved. We want more deaf young people to tell us about clubs they would like to join so we can support them. Or for you to tell us about the clubs you go to and if they are good or bad, so we can make them better for you. I enjoy all sports but especially love football. I also love walking my Greyhound Ballymac!"

"I love my job because I get to think about sport all day! I run the Sports & Leisure part of the Me2 Project, which teaches coaches about deafness and gives you more chances to play sport. We have great events and tournaments too. We want to sign up more sports clubs across the country, so let me know if you want your local club to understand more about how they can support you. Football is my favourite hobby but I also love playing and watching most other sports, especially tennis!"

I do the Arts side of things in the Me2 Team. I have lots of fun as I work with theatres, drama clubs, music classes, dance groups, even circus and that’s not all! My job is to help art organisations be deaf friendly so deaf children and young people can go along too. I love my job and I get to meet lots of really cool people. If you want some support to get involved in an Arts activity then let me know! When I’m at home, I love cooking and playing my piano. My two children keep me busy too, we love going stomping in the woods in wellies and going to see subtitled films at the cinema.

“I love my job because I get to meet lots of amazing young people all over the UK. My job is to help support you all to get involved and make a difference. I have really enjoyed working with so many of you to create this website. My big plans are to keep getting you involved in our great events and to help you make new friends and have fun. This is your website, so please keep sending in your stories and ideas. In my spare time, I like travelling to different countries and eating out. I absolutely love eating chocolate and biking through Sherwood Forest in Nottingham – not at the same time though!”

“I love my job because it’s busy and exciting. I’m deaf myself and have worked with deaf young people for many years. At Camp America, Deaf Camp UK, the Foundation for Youth Development and NDCS, I have seen many deaf kids grow into young adults who have skills and expect to do well in their life. My big plans are to make your lives better and to break down those barriers so many of us face. I want to see more of you start your adult lives expecting to do well, which is what you all deserve. My hobbies are travelling, going to parties and watching musical theatre – I’ve seen Billy Elliot eight times!”

“I love my work because I get to organise lots of different types of sport, outdoor activities and arts events. My big plans are to run loads more events across the whole country from what you’ve told us you want. The events are for you – come along! My hobbies are rock-climbing and mountain biking. I love fun, exciting and sometimes scary activities and I’m so glad NDCS gives young people the chance to try them too.”

Hello! My job is to make sure you have your say on issues that affect you, and that these are taken seriously. I will be telling everyone about the rights young people have, including young people! My favourite part of my job is meeting lots and lots of people and learning new things, such as British Sign Language. I love second hand shops, music, travelling and big, loud jewellery (I have lots, including a giant gold dinosaur!). One day, I hope to live in a windmill or a houseboat - how cool would that be?