FINALIST 2026
"My little boy is Xander and he's four years old. He is full of life and full of character ... He's just like any other child. And that's really how it should be because he is just like any other child. He just needs a little bit more help hearing.” Georgie, Xander's mum
Xander was born profoundly deaf and benefited from The Elizabeth Foundation's unique preschool services from the age of one. The charity has been instrumental in helping Xander learn to listen and talk, preparing him for inclusive education at his local mainstream school.
This film was produced as part of the charity's general awareness campaign with the aims of publicising its services to parents of deaf children, highlighting the impact of its work to donors and potential supporters, and raising general awareness about deafness. The film was created totally in-house by Howard Hurd, the charity's Digital Media Manager.
The Elizabeth Foundation's entry into the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2025 (Meet Oscar and Ella) received the Gold People's Choice Award in its category. The charity's entry into the previous year's awards (Daisy's story) won both a Bronze Judges' Award and a Silver People's Choice Award.
The Elizabeth Foundation helps preschool deaf children learn to listen through their hearing technologies and to talk clearly and confidently.
Established in 1981, the charity has grown to become the UK's largest single provider of education services for babies and preschool children with all degrees of deafness.
Through its wide range of services for deaf children from birth to five years, The Elizabeth Foundation offers these children the best possible start in life. It provides Ofsted 'Outstanding' nursery services at its Family Centre in Hampshire. The charity also offers home learning and support for families and professionals all across the UK through its innovative Let's Listen and Talk online programme.
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