The Children's Hearing Services Working Group (CHSWG)
This is a group of representatives made up of different professionals (such as audiologists, hearing screeners, teachers of the deaf, speech and language therapists) working in Hertfordshire with deaf and hearing-impaired children (children with a hearing loss).
Parents and families are represented by Parent Reps and the Phoenix Group for Deaf Children, representing the voluntary sector ( www.phoenixgroup.org.uk ). A representative from the NDCS - National Deaf Children's Society also attends who provides a national overview.
CHSWG is responsible for improving services for families and children by listening to them, taking their views into account and by ensuring that recommendations from national initiatives and Quality Assurance (QA) are met. It offers advice, guidance and exerts influence in order to ensure high quality services. It also acts on behalf of service providers at a practitioner, managerial and strategic level.
When does it meet?
The group meets four times a year during term-time to share experiences, ideas and actions for improving the lives of hard of hearing and deaf children and their families. The meetings run for two hours and are usually held in central Hertfordshire.
How parents can be involved
There are two ways that parents can be involved to make sure your views are represented. The first one is that you can provide your feedback to Parent Reps by joining your local CHIPS - Children Hearing Impairment Parent Support Facebook group here.
Become a Parent Rep
If you would like an opportunity to have your voice heard and represent other families at CHSWG meetings, why not become a Parent Rep? As a Parent Rep you'll get to meet other parents who are keen to influence services on behalf of families.
For more information about this group please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the CHIPS Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/
