What is National Full Potential?

The National Full Potential project runs various activities across England. The activities give young d/Deaf people the skills and knowledge they need for their transition into adulthood.
National Full Potential prepares young d/Deaf people for social and economic success, it gives them confidence and improves their self-esteem, encouraging young d/Deaf people to stand up for their rights and get the same opportunities as their hearing peers.

National Full Potential works in partnership with d/Deaf organisations around the country to deliver the project, making sure that young d/Deaf people are supported and their ideas and needs are being met.

Objectives of the project

National Full Potential supports young d/Deaf people as they go through the difficult stage between childhood and adulthood.

Is the project youth led?

The National Full Potential project is completely youth led with each partner having its own steering group. The steering group members, made up of young people aged 14-25, have the opportunity to generate ideas, provide feedback on previous events and plan the future events for their regional Full Potential project. Representatives from each of the regional steering groups become members of the national steering group which provides direction for the whole of the project.

Andy Taylor - Project Manager

At the end of year one the national steering group hosted a conference to review what was achieved in the first year and to identify how to take years two and three forward. The regional steering groups presented their plans for year two and talked about areas they would like to develop and it was also an opportunity for partners from all regions to come together and share good practice.

More than three times a year, regional steering members meet and discuss ideas for activities, future plans and also help with delivery. Being a member of the steering group, whether regionally or nationally, gives the youths an opportunity to improve their leadership skills, understand the importance of teamwork and build their confidence to manage and deliver courses.

Being Healthy

The Full Potential project promotes health awareness, encouraging young d/Deaf people to look after themselves and develop healthy bodies as well as healthy minds.  An example of how the project achieves this is by running activities such as practical sessions where young d/Deaf people learn about cooking and healthy eating as well as making sure young d/Deaf people can access mainstream services.

Staying Safe

Full Potential achieves this by enabling young d/Deaf people to share fun and exciting experiences in a safe environment and teaching young d/Deaf people life saving information.  Examples include learning how to contact the emergency services and knowing where to get help if they are being bullied.

Achieving economic well-being

The project provides information and support on finding and applying for jobs as well as how to budget and look after money.  Project activities have included tasks where young d/Deaf people plan and buy food for a meal and work with a mock bank statement to help them understand how to save and spend their money carefully.

Enjoying and achieving

The project encourages young d/Deaf people to take part in new activities or sports because young d/Deaf people told us they want ‘to learn new things’, ‘make new friends’ and ‘do some fun and interesting activities’. The project achieves this by enabling young d/Deaf people to overcome communication barriers and by helping them to find a healthy way to deal with their issues.

Making a positive contribution

The Full Potential project supports young d/Deaf people and the local community by improving participation and citizenship.  The project encourages young d/Deaf people to get involved and be engaged in decision making by joining their regional steering group to help with planning and delivering activities.  Representatives from the regional steering groups are also involved in organising two National Steering Conferences.