Deafblind UK supports USHthis Summer Camp for a third year

We are thrilled to support Usher Kids UK’s ‘USHthis’ Summer Camp for a third year!

From 5^th – 10^th August, Usher Kids UK will host their annual summer camp for young people who live with progressive deafblindness. 26 young people aged 11 to 25 will take part in the USHthis Summer Youth Camp Programme.

Usher Kids UK is a charity that supports young people who have Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition that results in progressive deafblindness. 

USHthis is a week-long residential camp that focuses on outdoor activities. By taking part in such challenges, young people will develop new strategies and skills for dealing with deafblindness in their day-to-day lives. USHthis also gives young people with deafblindness an opportunity to meet peers who understand their lived experience. 

We have partnered with Usher Kids UK to ensure that young people can equip themselves with the tools and strategies which enable them to thrive.

Mike Wycherley, our Head of Charitable Services, said, “We are proud to partner with Usher Kids UK for another year. Together, we can build support networks for young people who face progressive deafblindness, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives regardless of their condition.” 

Mentors will support the young residents throughout the week. Ultimately, they will encourage the residents to imagine an independent future.

Chloe Joyner, CEO of Usher Kids UK, said, “Usher Kids UK is thankful to camp sponsor, Deafblind UK, for enabling us to provide this opportunity for young people aged 11 to 25 who live with Usher Syndrome, giving them a chance to build friendships, learn strategies and grow in confidence alongside peers and mentors, empowering them for the journey ahead. The partnership with Deafblind UK is a great example of collaborative working in which the strengths of both organisations deliver a huge benefit and impact to their shared community.”

James McVicker, one of our long-time employees, volunteered at the camp last summer. He watched as shy children gained a new-found confidence among their peers. They shared information about their diagnosis, learned to navigate communication issues, and explored the mental health aspect of the progressive condition. 

Some of the young people came from as far as Canada, USA, and the Falkland Islands. This year, we hope to see an equally diverse group of young people. 

For more information or to get involved, contact our team at [email protected] or Usher Kids UK at [email protected].

About USHthis

USHthis Summer Youth Camp was inspired by Ava, a child with Usher syndrome, who wanted to have a traditional camp experience. USHthis is created by Ava’s Voice, a non-profit organisation, founded in America that empowers youth with Usher syndrome and educates families and school communities.

Ava’s Voice aims to connect USHearts around the world. It was always a dream of theirs to partner with international organizations to implement the USHthis model to meet the needs of their local Usher syndrome communities. Over the past three years Usher Kids UK and Ava’s Voice have collaborated to host the program in the United Kingdom with the support of Deafblind UK. The USHthis International Team has brought over 7 staff members and 6 mentors from the USA to help facilitate the UK experience.

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