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ALL_EARS@UoS is a patient and public involvement and engagement group for people with lived experience of deafness.

We set up the group to build a partnership between people with lived experience of deafness and researchers so we can work together to carry out meaningful research and make a difference.

Over the last three years, researchers and group members have worked together to discuss, plan and carry out several research projects.

We also run lots of activities and exhibits to raise awareness of hearing and cochlear implants to people of all ages.

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We are looking to set up an ALL_EARS@UoS Young People’s Advisory Group.

A young people’s advisory group (YPAG) is a group made up of children and young people who are involved in research as partners, advising researchers. This does NOT mean taking part in a research project as a subject, but it means working alongside researchers.

Why?

• It is important to embed the voice of young people in research.
• Young people have the right to express their views and influence research that may affect them.
• The experiences and ideas of young people should be considered at all stages of the research process.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for young people aged between 14 – 16 years old with lived experience of deafness to get involved and join the group.

What does lived experience mean?

• Anyone who is deaf, partially deaf, partially hearing or hard of hearing.

You may wear hearing aids or cochlear implants or neither. You may communicate by spoken English or by sign language or both.

•  Anyone who is a sibling of someone who is deaf, partially deaf, partially hearing or hard of hearing.

All our members should be kind and respectful of other people’s views and opinions.

What will members do?

Use your ideas and skills to contribute to the development of the group.

Join online and/or in-person meetings:

• to share your opinions about research into hearing and cochlear implants.
• to share your personal experience so researchers understand what is important to you.
• to share your ideas and get involved with raising awareness and advocacy.

Get involved with exhibits and activities to raise awareness about hearing and cochlear implants.  

We will share information and provide updates about projects and research in between meetings (via email, messaging and our website).

What will you get out of it?

• Vouchers – We will reimburse you for your time.
• New skills, knowledge and experience (this will be useful for your future careers!).
• Increase your confidence and communication skills.
• Meet new people and make friends with other group members.
• An opportunity to have your say in what research we do.
• An opportunity to contribute to important research in hearing and cochlear implants.
• A chance to make a difference of D/deaf and hard of hearing people.

Get involved!

If you would like to find out more about the group, please get in touch by emailing Kate Hough at k.l.hough@soton.ac.uk. Kate would be happy to chat with you in a short video call or just by email.