Charity marks 50 years of providing support to Cheshire's Deaf community

A CHARITY is celebrating 50 years of supporting the Deaf community in Cheshire. Deaf & Sensory Network (DSN), based in Northwich, has spent five decades providing support and services to Deaf people and those with hearing loss across the county and north east Wales. To mark the milestone, DSN hosted an afternoon tea in Northwich on Wednesday, September 23, bringing together members of the Deaf community, staff, and supporters. The event also coincided with International Week of Deaf People, which celebrates Deaf identity, culture, language, and human rights globally, and the International Day of Sign Languages, held annually on September 23, to emphasise the importance of sign languages in ensuring full social participation for Deaf individuals. Sallie Pane, SSO team manager and a native sign language user, said: "I am so proud to have been part of such a special day and to see so many people come together to celebrate. "As a CODA (child of deaf adult), the Deaf community and sign language have always been a huge part of my life, so seeing an event like this during DSN’s 50th anniversary year is incredibly meaningful. "What today really showed is what DSN is all about. The event coincided with International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages (Image: Deaf & Sensory Network) "Our mission is to support Deaf people and people with hearing loss to live independent, fulfilling lives, with the same opportunities, access and choices as everyone else. "I absolutely love the work I do and feel incredibly proud to be part of the DSN journey, particularly during such an important year for the organisation." The afternoon tea was organised by DSN’s sensory support workers and fully interpreted for Deaf guests. It was well attended by members of the community, with local supermarkets and businesses donating food and refreshments for the occasion. DSN has spent 50 years supporting Deaf people, those with hearing loss, and their families through specialist services aimed at promoting independence, inclusion, wellbeing, and personal choice. The team behind the afternoon tea celebration event (Image: Deaf & Sensory Network) The charity’s anniversary also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for accessible communication and specialist support in the communities it serves. Support from DSN is available to anyone who is Deaf, has hearing loss, or is experiencing hearing difficulties. Services are offered across Cheshire and north east Wales, including in Wrexham and Flintshire. These include advice, information, and specialist support to help individuals remain independent and connected within their communities. DSN also offers a range of sign language courses, from beginner Level 1 to interpreter level. For more information about DSN’s work and services, visit the DSN website or get in touch by emailing [email protected].