Established 25 years ago by Shirley Metherell and her husband David, the Elizabeth Foundation works tirelessly in the field of early diagnosis and education of deaf children.

Already having two hearing children, after their daughter, Elizabeth, was born profoundly deaf Shirley and David wanted her to give her the opportunity to learn to listen and speak.  On their return to England following a visit to the world famous John Tracey Clinic in Los Angeles and being inspired by the work being done with deaf children, the Elizabeth Foundation was set up in Portsmouth and received full charitable status that same year.

The Safeguarding Children e-Academy, one of the UK's leading providers of flexible e-learning Child Protection courses, donates a sizable percentage of its turnover every year to deserving charities across the UK. Its 51 members, mostly comprised of Local Safeguarding Children Boards, were asked where the money should go to and along with several other organisations the Elizabeth Foundation was singled out to receive £2,000 and a promise of ongoing support.

Abby Dacres, Safeguarding Children e-Academy Manager said “ It’s a real privilege to be able to see the money we give make a difference to children and their families; this is one of 16 donations made to small child-related charities up and down the country and we hope to continue this support into the future“ 

The Elizabeth Foundation went from strength to strength and in 2001 was approached by the Cochlear Implant Centre who wanted to increase the number of implants being carried out in Bradford which has an above average incidence of deafness in children. With help from Bradford Royal Infirmary, Prospect Cottage was converted into the second family centre. Now babies and children diagnosed at The Royal Bradford Infirmary are given the opportunity to attend the family centre, which like Portsmouth provides a pre-school program for the under fives. The centre is staffed with highly experience and caring staff and run by Margaret Southern, Senior Teacher of the Deaf and Head of Services

Margaret said “The Elizabeth Foundation is here to support and offer guidance to families of deaf children and to give those children the opportunity to learn to talk. The current economic climate has hit us hard with levels of donations dropping and local business being reluctant to support us and so we are delighted with the Safeguarding Children e-Academy’s kind gift.”

For full details of all charities supported by the Safeguarding Children e-Academy call Stephen Brown, Marketing Executive on 01943 885 083.