A DEAF Hardgate teenager has praised a national charity for helping her find the confidence speak again.

Abbie Donati stopped speaking while studying at Clydeview Academy in Inverclyde as she was self-concious about how she sounded as a deaf person.

But the 17-year-old has now found her voice and celebrated by addressing a 150-person audience at Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s flagship ladies lunch event in Glasgow.

Abbie explained to the audience through British Sign Language (BSL) that during a college preparation course, run by the charity’s Moving On service, she built the confidence to use her voice again and make new friends.

Following the course, Abbie is studying towards a National Certificate in social science at Clydebank’s West College Scotland campus.

Abbie said: “I thank Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s Moving On team for giving me the confidence to use my voice again.

“If I hadn’t gone on the college prep course, I wouldn’t be able to approach people and make new friends to enjoy my college life.

“As well as studying, I am now volunteering in my spare time with West of Scotland Deaf Children’s Society.”

She added: “I was nervous telling my story in front of so many people but I wanted everyone to know how thing have changed for me and that the charity’s support can be accessed by other young deaf people.”

The Moving On service supports young people who are deaf or hard of hearing into education, training and employment – including running events designed to build confidence and improve life skills.

Claire Donati, Abbie’s proud mother, said: “If someone had told me six months ago that Abbie would be telling a room full of people about herself, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“I am really grateful to the Moving On team for supporting Abbie so effectively. As a parent, all you want for your child is for them to be given a chance to fulfil their ambitions.

“Abbie has really blossomed and I’m very proud that she could share her experiences in front of so many people.”

Delia Henry, director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, added: “It is stories like Abbie’s development in to a confident young woman which highlight the genuinely inspirational work of our employment advisors.

“It is not easy to stand up and present in front of 150 people so we greatly appreciate Abbie’s bravery describing how she is progressing towards achieving her aspirations.”

For more information about Moving On, call 0141 341 5330 or email movingon@hearingloss.org.uk.