A charity that supports deaf children has ceased operations citing “an increasingly challenging and turbulent environment” facing the sector.

Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) has been supporting children for more than 20 years through auditory verbal therapy, however it is to be placed in liquidation from today.

“Over recent months, despite strong progress pursing our strategy and continued delivery of high quality, life changing support, the financial pressures facing the charity have intensified to a point where it is no longer possible for us to operate sustainably,” said the charity in a statement.

“We understand that the speed of this closure may come as a shock. This has been an incredibly difficult decision, taken with the greatest care for the families, professionals and supporters who have placed their trust in AVUK over the years.”



It added that it is working “hard and at pace” to secure alternative provision for families to ensure they can continue to access support from professional trained in using the therapy.

The charity expressed disappointment that its campaigning for auditory verbal therapy to be better supported by government had not been more successful.

“We have campaigned hard and engaged with UK governments to make the case for long-term, public investment so that Auditory Verbal therapy could be delivered by trained professionals within publicly funded services, giving all families with young deaf children the opportunity to access this support,” it said.

“While significant progress has been made, our clear and consistent asks for sustained government support have not been met and access via public services remains very limited.”

Support professionals have reacted with sadness on LinkedIn to the charity’s announcement

“So saddened to see this news,” said speech and language specialist Natalie Clark.

“AVUK has been such an important part of my journey and somewhere I’ll always be grateful for. It was a privilege to work with so many amazing families and alongside colleagues who genuinely cared and gave so much of themselves.”

Specialist speech and language therapist and auditory verbal therapist Frances Clark added: “Sending so much love to my friends and colleagues at AVUK as well as the families it supports and has supported.

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an incredible organisation and mission. AVUK is not just about listening and spoken language, it is about leadership and heart. So many lives are different because of AVUK, including mine.”

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