Noah’s Story

Noah was diagnosed with hearing loss at the age of three, however the full extent of this hearing loss was not known for several years. While we hoped hearing aids would support his communication, they unfortunately made little difference.

At the age of five, Noah received a cochlear implant in his left ear, and at seven, his right ear was also implanted. These were important medical milestones, but without having access to specialised services in our regional hometown of Kalgoorlie, it became clear that Noah wasn’t getting the support he needed to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

In 2019, when Noah was 10, we made the difficult decision to leave behind our home and our extended family to relocate from Kalgoorlie to Perth. It was a challenging and uncertain time, but once in Perth, Noah was enrolled at John Wollaston Anglican Community School (JWACS), and we started to find our feet. From there, we were connected to TSH through their Outpost school support program, a partnership that would become a life changing support for Noah and our entire family.

From the beginning, the TSH team has gone above and beyond to support Noah both at school and in everyday life. They’ve helped coordinate all his therapy needs, including speech, occupational therapy, and psychology, ensuring that these services are seamlessly integrated into his school day. Noah never feels like he’s missing out or being pulled away from his peers and his therapy is a natural part of his learning experience. As a parent, this has been an amazing relief to know he is being supported but can also be himself and spend time with his friends at lunchtime.

The support from TSH and JWACS has had a clear and lasting impact on Noah. His communication skills have improved to the point where he can confidently engage with both immediate and extended family. This progress has increased his independence and opened future opportunities, including work and study. With milestones like preparing for his learner’s permit on the horizon, we’re proud of how far Noah has come and confident in what he will continue to achieve.

Noah’s progress is clear to everyone, especially his grandparents, who regularly comment on how well he communicates during FaceTime calls. It’s a proud moment watching him hold conversations with ease and keep his family updated. At home, our relationship has strengthened now that much of the stress we once faced has eased. He also shares a fun, energetic bond with his two younger brothers, becoming a positive role model and setting a beautiful example for them.

Noah enjoys school and has built a strong circle of friends. He’s a social person who takes pride in his relationships and is especially passionate about hands-on subjects like woodwork and outdoor recreation.

One of his biggest achievements has been maintaining steady progress and reaching Year 11 in mainstream school. That consistency, and his positive attitude, are a credit to both his determination and the support he receives. TSH has played a key role in helping Noah work toward both short and long-term goals, giving him the tools and confidence to succeed.

The support from TSH has made a significant difference, not only for Noah but for our whole family. I never imagined he would come this far, and I’m incredibly grateful to the dedicated team that stands behind him. They always keep us informed, include us in every step of his journey, and genuinely care about his wellbeing. Their involvement has lifted a huge weight from my shoulders, ensuring Noah receives the support he needs without me having to navigate complex services alone.

There truly aren’t enough words to express the appreciation and respect we have for the TSH team. They’ve helped Noah grow into an empowered, capable young person, and we’re so thankful for the role they continue to play in his life.