04/05/2026
********Statement**********
The trustees and staff at Deafconnect have now, with sadness, reached the week in which the hiring of the community halls has ceased and, as our full closure approaches, we wanted to take a moment to reflect, and comment, on the events of the last few months, and the matters surrounding the closure of Deafconnect.
The trustees and staff of Deafconnect would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has offered kind words, and support, throughout this difficult time. We have always, and continue, to strive to act in the very best interests of the deaf and hard of hearing community and to see this acknowledged is truly touching.
As we have advised previously, the reason for the closure of Deafconnect is because of lack of funding. We would urge everyone affected by the closure to not seek to point the finger of blame on any specific individuals, or organisations, as this is not the case. The closure is, unfortunately, a sign of the times in which we all now live, with the cost of living increasing, the increase in regulations and the high demand for grant funding.
We are aware that significant bad feeling has been directed to the North Northamptonshire Council and the West Northamptonshire Council, in relation to the funding provided to Deafconnect under the contract for deaf and hard of hearing services. We wish to say that our contacts, at the Council, with whom we have dealt with, for many years, have been extremely supportive and have always, within the boundaries of their abilities, done their best to assist. We understand that the Council are dedicated to providing good quality services to the deaf and hard of hearing community and we would urge the community to proactively speak with the Council, if they have specific concerns or requirements.
The funding received from North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council reflected a small amount of the money needed to operate Deafconnect and the community services at the Spencer Dallington Community Centre. The Council money was provided to allow us to provide information services, but we are proud to have been able to obtain additional grant funding, which allowed us to expand the services provided to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Sadly, the availability and competition for the additional grant funding has been our biggest challenge and ultimately lead to the decision to close Deafconnect.
A number of organisations have either been created, or expanded, to provide deaf and hard of hearing services, to both adults, and children, throughout Northamptonshire, and we wish them every success in their endeavours. The RJ Community CIC has been awarded the contract for the provision of adult deaf and hard of hearing services, in Northamptonshire, and we would urge any member of the deaf community, to reach out to them, if they do need assistance.
We are however also aware that a lot of negativity has been encountered between, and towards, these organisations and, sadly, some such negativity has been directed at the staff and the trustees of Deafconnect. When like minded organisations work together, the needs of the community that they serve can most sufficiently be addressed and we feel that there is room, in the county, for all of these organisations to thrive and best serve the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Whilst this statement has focused on the deaf and hard of hearing community, as that is the main group in which Deafconnect support, it should not be forgotten that Deafconnect have occupied the Spencer Dallington Community Centre for many years and, as such, have been a vital part of the local community, providing hall hire services and also food bank services. It is hoped that another like minded organisation will take occupation of the Community Centre, once we leave and we wish them, and the local community, all the best for the future.
If anyone reading this message is concerned about the closure of Deafconnect, please do reach out and speak with our CEO, Jenni Dawkins, who will be pleased to assist.
Office mobile/SMS: 07794 177 254
email: general@deafconnect.org.uk
