Deafblind UK

17/06/2026

Next week is and this year's theme is .

We're focusing on shifting perceptions and shining a light on the unique strengths and abilities of every deafblind person.

Check out this story from THIIS Magazine to find out more👇

Deafblind UK has launched a new campaign to highlight the unique strengths, skills and contributions of people living with deafblindness.

17/06/2026

“My goodness, I'm so pleased you were available to take my call as, at that point, I felt broken. Your support towards me was fantastic. I felt cared for and uplifted."

In 2025, the Deafblind UK helpline logged more than 10,000 contacts with people experiencing deafblindness. And, this number is rising every year as demand for our specialist support grows.

Whether someone is seeking confidential advice, a listening ear, or a way forward through the uncertainty of their sensory loss, our free helpline is often a reassuring and dependable source of support when they need it most.

The helpline is available by phone, text, email and British Sign Language (BSL), full details of which can be found at deafblind.org.uk/helpline-appeal

Every £5 donated enables us to answer one more call to our helpline. Please, donate to Deafblind UK today and, together, we can ensure that no one faces deafblindness alone.

16/06/2026

Event alert from the Deafblind UK Centre for Learning and Research 📢

Join us at 2:30pm on Tuesday 7 July for a free masterclass with Dr Walter Wittich at Birmingham City University.

Learn about his extensive research in the deafblindness field and take part in dedicated networking and Q&A sessions.

Sign up and find out more 👇

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masterclass-with-professor-walter-wittich-tickets-1988908243095

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Event flyer with the deafblind uk logo in top right hand corner and an image of walter wittich smiling wearing yellow glasses. White text reads 'Masterclass with Dr Walter Wittich. When: 2:30pm July 7. Where: Birmingham City University. Don't miss this free event'.

15/06/2026

Congratulations to Sam Gough MBE, captain of the blind Lionesses and rower on the GB pathway among other sporting talents, for receiving an MBE this weekend for her services to sport and the visually impaired community.

Sam is one of our ambassadors, and a passionate advocate for inclusive sports as a full-time elite athlete. She uses her impressive social media presence to raise awareness of sight and hearing loss and document her life with sight loss.

We're very proud of you Sam!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Background of Sam playing football wearing a blindfold, overlaid with green and pink highlighted white text reading 'Congratulations to Sam Gough MBE!'

12/06/2026

Advances in technology are making the world more accessible than ever for people with dual sensory loss, but it can be difficult to know where to start or which apps and gadgets might be most helpful.

Our new factsheets are full of information on topics from screen readers to Zoom meetings.

Take a look👀
https://deafblind.org.uk/get_support/top-tech-tips/

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: White text with black outline in a white spiked bubble reads 'New tech factsheets'. Backgrounded is a purple tinted image of a man smiling while he uses a mobile phone. In the bottom right hand corner is the white Deafblind UK logo.]

11/06/2026

“My older sister has Usher Syndrome, so it was always in the back of my mind whether I could have it too. But still, when my fears were finally confirmed it felt like my life had been turned upside down.”

Victoria, 40, was born deaf, but it wasn’t until the age of 22 that she was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome; a rare inherited condition affecting around 10,000 people in the UK and is the leading genetic cause of deafblindness. The news was devastating.

"I had just finished university the week before and suddenly it was like my future was being taken from me. I was crying all the time, and I didn’t go back to the hospital for five years. I was determined to go on living my life for as long as I could before my vision diminished.

“I’ve always been proudly independent. But, at the age of 27 I went back to the hospital because things were getting worse, and by 29, while pregnant with my first child, I made the difficult decision to stop driving.

“Ever since, as a busy, working mum of two, I have relied on a disability entitlement through my local authority to help pay for travel, such as taxis, to go about daily life. But two years ago, I was told that support would stop overnight.

“It was like having the rug pulled out from under me all over again. Suddenly, my independence was being taken away for no clear reason. I was a mess and didn’t know where to turn to.

“That’s when I discovered Deafblind UK. I called the helpline and the wonderful Angela answered. She told me that she also has Usher Syndrome and listened patiently while I offloaded for what must have been 90 minutes. She answered my questions and explained the responsibilities of the council as well as my right to a deafblind assessment. I had been doubting myself, so it was such a relief to leave that first call feeling really positive and determined to keep fighting for the support I’m entitled to.

“Finally, it felt like there was someone who understood; someone who was in my corner.

“It has taken two years to secure a deafblind assessment and have my travel entitlement restored, and Deafblind UK has been there throughout. Whenever I encountered setbacks and I felt like giving up, they were there for me, offering the advice and understanding I needed to keep going.”

We wish to thank Victoria for sharing her story and being the face of our Deafblind UK Helpline Appeal. With your donations, we can continue to be there for people like Victoria when they need us most. Help us answer the next urgent call.

Learn more about the Helpline Appeal at deafblind.org.uk/helpline-appeal

If your life is being impacted by sight and hearing loss, call the Deafblind UK helpline on 0800 132320, or visit deafblind.org.uk/get-support

11/06/2026

Another fantastic 2nd launch event of our Sensory Information Hub at Limavady Library in the Causeway Coast and glens areas.

10/06/2026

A great first day at first launch of Sensory Information Hubs in partnership with Libraries NI at Coleraine Library in Causeway Coast and Glens Council Area. Our 2nd launch event is tomorrow in Limavady Library from 11am to 2pm

10/06/2026

Join Team Deafblind UK at the Big Half this September! 🏅

Take on London’s vibrant half marathon and make every mile count for people living with combined sight and hearing loss.

When you join Team Deafblind UK, you'll receive:

• An exclusive Deafblind UK running vest or t-shirt.

• Friendly support and encouragement throughout your journey.

• Access to the Deafblind UK runners Facebook group for advice and motivation.

• The opportunity to make a real difference to the estimated 450,000 people in the UK who are deafblind.

• An all-important Big Half finisher’s medal when you cross the finish line.

Places are limited and filling up fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of an amazing team, take on an unforgettable challenge, and help support people who are deafblind across the UK.


Sign up today and run for Deafblind UK: https://deafblind.org.uk/big-half-2026/



Image description:

There is woman wearing a lime green running vest and black shorts. She is running on a road with lots of other people blurred into the background. She points at the camera with her right hand and appears to be smiling, but her arm covers her mouth. Her other arm is by her side. She has some tattoos on her left arm and has long braided hair which is behind her. The Deafblind UK logo in white sits in the top left corner. In the bottom left corner is text "Big Half - London" "Join Team Deafblind UK". In white and purple text boxes respectively.

09/06/2026

A big thank you to every carer supporting someone living with deafblindness this . You're making a real difference every day.

Did you know about our services to support carers? Whether through our friendly helpline, technology support or birthday wishes, we are here to care for those who care.

Find out more all the ways we can support you👇 https://deafblind.org.uk/get_support/for-carers/

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: White and black text with green highlighting on a pink background with yellow abstract shapes reads 'Thank you! To every carer this '. Below is an orange graphic of an outstretched hand holding a heart outline.

06/06/2026

Thank you to everyone of our volunteers this , you really are changing people's lives.

Are you interested in volunteering from us? Check out these quotes from some of our fantastic volunteers about what getting involved means to them.

Take a look at our website to find out volunteering opportunities 👇

https://deafblind.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/

Image Description Page 1: White and black text next to an image of a woman with short hair and a black top reads 'I moved to Peterborough four years ago to be closer to family and volunteering has been a way for me to make new friends. It means everything to me - Beverley'. White and black text next to an image of a woman wearing glasses with pink and purple hair reads 'I love volunteering because it makes me more sociable! - Sam'.

Image Description Page 2: White and black text next to an image of a woman with short hair and a white top with pink flowers reads 'You could easily sit on the couch all day but I enjoy getting out, helping to support the charity and making new friends - Evelyn'. White and black text next to an image of a man wearing glasses and a blue hoodie reads 'It’s been a good experience for me and I’ve learnt a lot. I love being part of the team and would recommend it to anyone - James'.

Image Description Page 3: White and black text next to an image of the interior of a Deafblind UK charity shop reads 'Through volunteering, I have overcome my anxiety and built my skills and confidence. It’s down to volunteering that I am now a staff member at Deafblind UK! - Scarlett'. White and black text next to an image of a woman wearing glasses and a grey top with brown hair reads 'The best medicine for me has been volunteering. I don’t think I could volunteer anywhere else - Terri'.

Page 4: White text on a pink background reads "Thank You to all our volunteers with Volunteers' Week! You make amazing things possible... Visit deafblind.org.uk/volunteer to find out about our volunteering roles" with a black and white arrow

05/06/2026

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟐 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞. Could you help us answer the next urgent call? 📞

Losing your sight and hearing can bring questions, uncertainty, and significant life changes. The Deafblind UK helpline is often the first point of contact for someone experiencing the challenges that can come with being deafblind, providing free impartial advice, a listening ear, and a way forward for thousands of people every year who are in crisis.

It costs £60,000 annually to fund the Deafblind UK helpline. Here is how your donation makes all the difference:
• Every £20 enables us to answer four more calls to the helpline.
• Every £50 could provide a specialist emotional support session for someone processing their sight and hearing loss.
• Every £100 could fund a trained helpline operator for an entire day, to be there for anyone in need of advice or support.

Please, donate to Deafblind UK today and, together, we can ensure that no one has to face deafblindness alone. Find out more: deafblind.org.uk/helpline-appeal

If your life is being impacted by sight and hearing loss, call the Deafblind UK helpline on 0800 132320, or visit deafblind.org.uk/get-support

[Image description] A woman sitting at a kitchen table looking down as she is on the phone. She has long, wavey blonde hair and a black and white patterned blouse. Text reads, Deafblind UK helpline Appeal. Help us answer the next urgent call.

21/05/2026

📢 CUSTOMER NOTICE - Bank Holiday Closure 📢
All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 25 May and Mobile Libraries will not be on the road. The Out of Hours Service will be available in applicable libraries.

21/05/2026

21/04/2026

Translink is introducing safety guidance for powered transporters and e‑bicycles, with new arrangements taking effect from 1 June 2026. These steps form part of Translink’s ongoing work to support a safe, comfortable and reliable travel experience for everyone using the public transport network.

From June 1, powered transporters, such as e‑scooters, will no longer be permitted on Translink vehicles or premises. E‑bicycles will continue to be welcome on trains but cannot be taken on buses or coaches (including in luggage compartments) due to fire safety considerations in enclosed spaces.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs remain welcome, in line with Translink’s Accessibility Policy, ensuring continued support for customers who rely on these essential mobility aids.

These updates are being introduced in response to the growing fire risks associated with lithium‑ion batteries and reflect the latest expert guidance. Translink's priority is to adopt sensible, proactive steps that help protect customers, staff and property while keeping the network moving safely.

Translink’s John Thompson said: “Safety is always at the heart of our operations, and we want everyone who uses our services to feel confident, ensuring everyone gets home safe everyday.

“We’ve taken time to research the emerging fire risks linked to lithium‑ion batteries and to understand how we can best respond. Our focus is on providing clear, practical guidance so we can continue delivering safe, reliable journeys for all.

“We’re asking customers to take time to familiarise themselves with the new guidance before June 1. We really appreciate everyone’s support as we make these positive, preventative changes.”

For further details visit www.translink.co.uk/poweredtransporters.

21/04/2026

Paula O’Toole will be launching her new book Spinny and Buzz in Omagh Library! 😄

There will be a reading as well as some art, movement and breathing techniques for children in Primary School Years 1-4!

Booking essential - ☎️ 028 8244 0733

21/04/2026

21/04/2026

Community Transport Association (CTA) Creating Connections research project is exploring how Community Transport can better meet the needs of disabled children and young people across the UK.
For this stage of the research, we want to hear from:
- Parents or carers of disabled children and young people aged up 25
- Young people aged 16 to 25 with lived experience of disability.
Your feedback will directly help shape future guidance for Community Transport providers and stakeholders.

All survey respondents can enter a prize draw for one of three £250 high street vouchers.

You can access the survey here and it closes at 5pm on 30th June 2026.

We’ve made the survey as accessible as possible. If you or the people you support need help or a different format, please contact [email protected].

21/04/2026

The Public Health Agency, as part of their 10000 More Voices programme would like to hear from any participants about their experiences of using equipment that helps them live independently.

If you're one of these people, you can take part in this by completing an online form via the link below (or scan the QR code).

By sharing your story, you can help improve services for everyone across Northern Ireland. Your is story is private/confidential.

If you have any questions or need any assistance with accessing or completing the form please contact: 028 9536 1124 / [email protected]

Survey link: https://tinyurl.com/10KMVATE

20/04/2026