How Hafs found her voice through DofE

For Hafwen (Hafs), being deaf and using British Sign Language (BSL) can present challenges in her daily life and can cause anxiety in unfamiliar places and when meeting new people. However she was determined to not let that stand in the way of completing her Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards through St John Ambulance Cymru.

Hear from Hafs.

I am deaf so BSL is my first language, I can’t hear any sounds so I rely on others around me to sign which can make me anxious, especially in unfamiliar places. Like lots of other deaf BSL users I have anxiety when I meet new people as I have to think about how I’m going to communicate with them.

I was ten years old when my mum suggested I joined St John Ambulance and I loved it from the start, so I was thrilled when I could do my DofE with them.

Before starting my Bronze Expedition I thought it would be easy! Although the long walks were good, my whole body ached and I was so tired when I made it to the camp, but the Expeditions were my favourite part of DofE. I loved cooking on the campfire setting up tents and just being around my friends. It was hard and sometimes I felt like giving up but all five of us in my group succeeded which shows how good teamwork is.

Doing the DofE has helped me to become more organised, learn new skills and meet new people. I did have to overcome barriers when completing my Awards – as a BSL user it was sometimes difficult to communicate with others in my group, and to access events if I don’t have someone with me to sign. To another young person thinking about starting their DofE, go for it! Being deaf means you need to be brave and resilient, but NEVER give up.

My aim has always been to achieve my Gold DofE and I’m so glad to have now achieved this! In 2023 I became a DofE Cymru Youth Ambassador as I wanted to experience new challenges and raise awareness of different disabilities. I also want to raise awareness of BSL and encourage everybody to learn a bit of BSL so that deaf BSL users can have less anxiety in the community.

“Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear. We may communicate in a different language (BSL), but we are just like you, we love communication, exploring the world and trying new activities.”

Since achieving all three of her Awards, Hafs delivered an inspiring speech on the West Terrace of Buckingham Palace at the 2023 Gold Award celebrations.