This project continues to work for an improvement in access to education, health, employment, leisure and social opportunities for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people in Newcastle.
There is a high level of ignorance regarding the issues affecting these communities due to a lack of information and opportunities to communicate. Deaflink have only just begun to identify real issues and to make a difference - it is essential that Deaflink continues to provide the 'bridge' assisting the drive for momentum for change.
These groups have identified their ongoing needs which are:
- Equal access to information
- Equal access to life chances in education and employment
- Good access to all services
- Information on support mechanisms, groups or equipment
- Services and people have deaf awareness
- Training which is accessible to inform, empower and build confidence
- Advocacy, Advice and support
- Support for carers
- Social/focus groups
These needs have been identified through face to face contact, conferences/monthly forums, research, attending local Deaf groups, community events and discussions with relevant professional e.g Audiologists.
Communication/Information - Using data from Social Services a recent questionnaire sent out to H/H people identified that Social Services Data base was out of date about services available in Newcastle. In some cases the person had died and Social Services were still sending information to the family. Deaflink was able to provide updates information to Social Services and to address the issue of updating methods.
Identified gaps in provision. We have provided a vital bridge between the hearing /sighted world. Deaflink has developed strong partnerships with Newcastle City Council, Social Services, Northumberland Police and NHS/PCT. Influencing policy decision makers within the context of the Equality and Diversity documentation within their structures.
Research. Working with CVS has proved to be beneficial to both parties, giving information on specific research needs has enabled Deaflink to actively promote its expertise through winning funds for relevant research such as obesity and employment issues. Agencies within the field of Community Nutrition and Health will benefit alongside the education establishments and families of deaf children within the city and beyond from the Healthy Eating/Exercise pack that will be developed from the research.
We have identified that within these communities there is a level of mistrust and anger of service providers based upon years of being overlooked and ignored.
Who We Are
The aim of Newcastle Deaflink is to
- Improve access to employment, education, health, leisure and social opportunities for all Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people in Newcastle
- To raise awareness of the needs of these excluded groups to statutory and voluntary/private organisations and agencies in Newcastle upon Tyne
- To act as a consultative group offering training support and advocacy
Newcastle Deaflink is a recognised voice in the City for D/deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people.
In 2001 Newcastle Social Services Directorate brought together a small group of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing (D, DB, and HOH) people to discuss the exclusion of these communities from Service development processes.
This resulted in the funding of a Community Development worker post for a time limited period of 2 years by the Local Authority. Newcastle Healthy City Project had a good track record of Voluntary Sector community work and agreed to provide the support structure and a base for the worker and the newly formed steering group.
One of the outputs from the various meetings was a conference held in October 2002 which highlighted the needs of D/deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people within
- Education
- Health
- Public Services
- Community Safety
This was later published in a report called “Your Chance, Your Views”. This report became the manifesto of the subsequent group namely Newcastle Deaflink.
