Deaf First

23/03/2026

Hello and welcome to Deaf First Northamptonshire. I’m back!! I hope you’re all well?

AGM update
We want to say huge thanks and appreciation for all that came to our AGM. We really valued your time. Now look at this…..

Role of chair
Jane Carty -chair
Chris O’dell - vice chair
Carol Spencer - co secretary
Tracie Holland - co secretary
Helen Wilson - co treasurer
Andrew O’dell - co treasurer

So we have new people in the roles of chair, secretary and treasurer. We also have an addition to the team. We will be utilising his years of experience of running committees - Chris O’dell as Vice-Chair *hand wave*

Really would like to say thank you for voting and supporting us

Deaf First is open to anyone 18+. We welcome anyone, partners, friends and children at certain events. Students who are learning BSL, you are welcome to join us too. You will be made welcome. If you’re unsure if it means you, yes it does, come and join in the deaf club.

Transport
Deaf First understands some may find it difficult to get to Deaf First, they may not have access to a car, or don’t drive or are not comfortable with using buses worrying about how you will get home. Worry not! Just ask one of the Deaf First officers and we can arrange for transportation so you can come along, have a good night without worrying. We will do our very best to accommodate you. Our aim is prevent people being stuck at home bored, if it’s a lift you need, please let us know. We want everyone to have a good time and go back home feeling positive.

Social events
Our next social event is DM Mega bingo on Saturday 28th March. It’s live-streamed via Facebook and we can all play along together. We love to see the competitive streak of deaf people when are playing bingo! If lucky enough to win, you might have to share it with another winner. But that’s all part of the fun! If you’re unsure how it works please let us know and we will guide you through. It’s very straight forward so what are you waiting for?? Come along and get playing! The very best of luck to you all.

We have social events coming up in April, May, June and July. Keep your eye out for the posters coming up….

There you had the posters with the upcoming social club dates. Thank you very much for watching. I hope to see you all there!

21/03/2026

Hi everyone, I’m Carol, Deaf First Co-Secretary, alongside my colleague Tracie Holland.

I wanted to share a quick update about Deafconnect’s decision to bring forward the closure of Deafconnect’s drop-in service from July to March.

North Northamptonshire council has confirmed that a new provider has been awarded the contract, although we don’t yet know who that is. They have also said there will be a 3–4 week gap in service while the new provider gets set up.

We understand this has caused concern for Deaf people in Northamptonshire about where to access support during that time.

To help bridge this gap, Deaf First has been working with Jessica Pettican from Meadow Deaf Services. Together, we will provide a drop-in service every Friday at Deafconnect until the new service is in place. Once it begins, our temporary provision will end.

Jessica brings over 20 years of experience in drop-in services and information, advice, and guidance (IAG).

Our aim is simply to ensure there is continued support available during this transition period.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

16/03/2026

Information from North Northamptonshire council about Deafconnect closing and future drop in service. We will keep you informed.

Council working to secure a replacement service, as Deafconnect announces earlier closure

11/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to our AGM on Sunday. A long meeting but a lot of things sorted out. We will have the minutes soon and will send to anyone who wants them plus BSL.

09/03/2026

📆Come and meet us at Corn Market Hall - Tuesday 10th March at 5pm. 👋

Opportunity to:

✔️Meet your new BSL provider
✔️Get your questions answered
✔️Update your patient record and communication needs
✔️Find out what new and exciting services are coming to support Deaf patients in Northamptonshire hospitals

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Dates for your diary.

27/02/2026

BINGOOOOOOOOO!!
Congratulations to the winners!
Equipment from Alan Knights if anyone remembers him from OAP group 20 years ago 😳😳😳

18/12/2025

Chase the Ace game at Xmas daytime party. Who won?? Danni or Beata??
Answer in the comments ⬇️

10/12/2025

More from our Xmas party

10/12/2025

More Xmas party games chaos! 😆

07/12/2025

Just a few laughs from our Xmas party on Friday night. Sorry Danni (not sorry really lol) x