London, 4 February 2026 – Award-winning actor and deaf awareness campaigner Rachel Shenton has recorded the upcoming BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal in support of DeafKidz International, which will air on Sunday 8 February.
The appeal highlights the life-changing work DeafKidz International carries out with deaf children and young people in Africa and Asia, providing educational and support programmes so they can live in safety, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Rachel Shenton, who has long been an advocate for the Deaf community, lends her voice to the appeal to raise awareness of the barriers faced by deaf children globally — and how early intervention can transform futures. “Not all deaf people or children have support or access to sign language, and that’s why I’m proud to be an ambassador for DeafKidz International,” says Rachel.
For over a decade, DeafKidz International has led the way in reducing the abuse and neglect of deaf children worldwide, working with communities, local partners, children and their families to respond to deaf children’s protection and wellbeing needs. DeafKidz International delivers educational programmes to deaf kids, their families and teachers, to reduce their risks of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. This includes using play-based and EdTech approaches. These programmes are currently being delivered in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, India, and the UK.
“There are 32 million deaf children worldwide, many of whom face stigma, social exclusion, and a severe lack of support. This not only impacts their opportunities but leaves them more open to abuse: globally deaf children are 3 times more likely to suffer abuse than hearing children,” says Debra Clelland, CEO at DeafKidz International.
“We are incredibly grateful to Rachel Shenton and the BBC for shining a light on the realities faced by deaf children globally. This appeal gives listeners the opportunity to make a direct and lasting difference to deaf children and young people so they can be safe, empowered and seen.”
Listeners can hear the appeal on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 8 February at 07:54 and 21:25 with an additional repeat slot on Thursday 12 February at 15:27. Donations will support DeafKidz International’s programmes across Africa and South Asia.
To listen or make a donation visit: BBC Radio 4 – Radio 4 Appeal, DeafKidz International
Rachel Shenton is an Academy Award® Winning writer/actress for “The Silent Child” and is Slick Films Company Director. She’s best known for her roles in “White Gold,” “Switched at Birth,” “The Strangers,” and has just wrapped filming “All Creatures Great & Small” Season 5. Rachel Shenton is an Academy Award-winning writer and actress. When Rachel’s father suddenly lost his hearing due to an unrelated health issue, it inspired Rachel to learn sign language and her passion for change in the deaf community grew. Between acting roles, Rachel has been raising deaf awareness for over a decade, and campaigns for equal opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.