Meet ups - all about our deaf family groups

The POD Support Network (POD) consists of 3 groups called POD QLD, POD VIC and POD TAS. It is a unique support network for families and carers raising deaf or hard of hearing children. The groups aim to empower and connect families and carers through information sharing, social gatherings, and other events.

Families and carers raising a deaf or hard of hearing child understand there are many rewards and challenges involved. Our POD families benefit from:

• Emotional support from people travelling a similar path
• Empowerment through sharing stories and experiences
• Making connections and friendships and seeing their child's confidence grow among kids like them

POD is fully inclusive and is for the whole family unit including siblings. POD holds online catchups via Zoom for Mums, Parents, Carers and Kids. The Kids catchups can be trivia challenges, bingo and scavenger hunts etc.

POD also shares information around hearing loss and other events being held within the deaf and hard of hearing community.

A massive thanks to all the families who have joined us for our online events so far and we look forward to meeting more families in the future.

If you would like more information or to join the POD Support Network, you can contact the team nearest to you, details are below.

If you are interested in the POD Support Network, you may also be interested in our Parent Mentor program. Our Mentors have lived experience and undergo extensive training which provides unique and dynamic support to parents and carers of children and young people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

POD Support Network contact details

Queensland

POD QLD
Contact: Stacey Johnson
P: 0411 035 334
E: pod.qld@deafchildren.org.au

Victoria

POD VIC
Contact: Stacey Johnson
P: 0411 035 334
E: pod.vic@deafchildren.org.au

Tasmania

POD TAS
Contact: Stacey Johnson
P: 0411 035 334
E: pod.tas@deafchildren.org.au