A young London audiologist and London’s Deaf Children and Mental Service (CAMHS) have been recognised in a national award celebrating children and young people who go above and beyond to challenge the perceptions of what deaf children can achieve and the adults that support them.
Sarah Adedeji (24) from Erith and the National Deaf CAMHS London Outpatients team based at Springfield University Hospital, Tooting, were presented with their highly commended Claire Campbell Outstanding Achievement Awards in London on Tuesday November 25th.
Run by charity Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK), now in their third year, the awards are in tribute to Claire, a mum of two profoundly deaf children, who championed the need for early and effective support for deaf children to develop language and communication to achieve their potential right up to her death in 2022.
Sarah who works at Croydon Hospital said: “It is amazing to receive this award in recognition of my efforts to prove what Deaf young people can achieve. I work hard to show what is possible and hope that in a small way I am doing my bit to change long held attitudes, reshape perceptions and encourage more inclusive attitudes. Deafness is no barrier to success, whether in medicine or any other field.”
Sarah is one of the few Black Deaf audiologists in the UK. Diagnosed with progressive hearing loss at age three, she embraced British Sign Language and later underwent cochlear implant surgery at 18. Today, she combines her professional expertise with her lived experience to support families and breaking down misconceptions. Beyond her clinical work, Sarah uses her platform—particularly social media—to advocate for representation and inclusion.
The National Deaf CAMHS London Outpatients team provide exceptional care for deaf children working immensely hard, demonstrating commitment and dedication to all their clients and families. Their commitment goes far beyond clinical care—offering advocacy, advice, and practical help with school visits, assessments, and navigating the individual needs of the deaf children and families they support.
Special mention goes to Staff Nurse Harriet Rice. As a Deaf professional Harriet is a role model for young people, showing that deafness doesn’t limit achievement. Her kindness, empathy, and determination are exceptional.
On receiving their award the team said: “We are filled with a sense of great pride, immense accomplishment and humble satisfaction upon receiving the Claire Campbell Outstanding Achievement Award. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, including Harriet Rice, who tirelessly champion the potential of deaf children and young people.”
Claire’s husband, Chris Campbell, who judges the awards with his family said: “Both Sarah and the CAMHS team are such deserving recipients of these highly commended awards. Reading the wonderful nomination for them it is obvious what great role models they are and the fantastic support they offer. These awards are a true celebration of the diversity of deafness and what is possible. Congratulations to all of the worthy winners and fantastic nominees and I know Claire would be delighted to see such passion and support proving what deaf children and young people can achieve.”
Auditory Verbal UK Chief Executive Anita Grover said: “Congratulations to Sarah and the CAMHS team, particularly Harriet, and all the finalists in the 2025 Claire Campbell Outstanding Achievement Awards for their achievements going above and beyond to support deaf children and challenge the perceptions of what they can do and achieve. Claire was unwavering in her support for deaf children and their families and always championed the vision that all deaf children should have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers whether their families choose to use sign language, spoken language or both.”
The Outstanding Achievement Awards in Memory of Claire Campbell has two categories:
•The Children and Young Person Outstanding Achievement Award – which recognises a deaf child or young person with hearing loss who, like Claire, has gone above and beyond to demonstrate that deaf children can achieve their potential.
and
•The Adult Outstanding Achievement Award which recognises an adult, such as a professional, teacher, parent or caregiver, who, like Claire, has gone above and beyond to support a deaf child or children to achieve their potential and/or challenge the perceptions of what deaf children can achieve.
