Participants advised that there were many different clubs, activities and societies at school, college and university which were available.

One participant did not attend as she already had commitments out with school and because she preferred to be in a Deaf environment.

Another participant found communication really difficult with hearing pupils and therefore found it hard to relate.  Although a BSL/English interpreter would be provided, participants did not attend.  A further reason for not attending was due to clubs being attended by more hearing pupils or students than Deaf young people.  Being Deaf and in the company of so many hearing pupils or students made participants feel quite vulnerable.  They also described experiences of being ignored or forgotten if and when they did attend.

All of the reasons above resulted in a lack of motivation to go to, or get involved in extra-curricular clubs, activities or societies.  Although participants felt disappointed about being ignored or forgotten, they explained that it was something they had become used to and it was a normal part of their lived experiences of being Deaf.  Participants would have liked to attend the extra-curricular clubs, activities and societies.  Additionally, they would have liked to feel part of them and as motivated and enthralled as hearing pupils and students, at the prospects.  Participants did attend and enjoy events out with school which were run by Deaf organisations and attended by Deaf young people.  They learned a lot and received great support from meeting Deaf role models.