British Deaf Association N. Ireland

09/10/2026

Join BDA as a Temporary Advocacy Officer in Northern Ireland! 👋

Work with the Deaf community to ensure their voices, needs and experiences are heard through advocacy, community engagement and training.

🕒 Full-time, 35 hours per week
📅 Fixed-term until 31 December 2026

👉 Find out more and apply: https://bda.org.uk/current-opportunities/
⏰ Deadline: 16 October 2026, 5pm

📩 For more information, contact Caroline at [email protected].

09/10/2026

Lifeline is for anyone living in Northern Ireland who is struggling to cope or feeling overwhelmed by what is or what is not happening in their life.

Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

Watch the video to find out more about Lifeline and how to contact them.

08/10/2026

On Friday 25th October, the User Group in Old Bridge House had the opportunity to learn more about tinnitus and Deaf Cancer Support from the Sensory Support Team and Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Officer. The session was well received with participants explaining that they learned a lot of new information about tinnitus and are now aware of how to access support if they or their family have cancer.
Thank you to Avril and Maria for a very informative session.

05/10/2026

BSL: Dementia in the Deaf Community – Online Discussion

The British Deaf Association (BDA) is working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to launch an online Zoom discussion group: “BSL: Dementia in the Deaf Community”

This session will provide a safe space for members of the Deaf community to come together, share experiences, and exchange information about dementia in BSL.

This group discussion is for Deaf BSL users who have experience as carers for their loved ones.

Our seventh group discussion will take place on:

When: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Deadline: Monday, 19 October 2026

During the session, Francis and Ruth will share their personal experiences of looking after their mother & mother-in-law.

Places are limited. If you are interested in joining, please contact
Avril Hepner at: [email protected]

Avril will send you the Zoom link and further details.

BDA would like to thank Alzheimer's Society for their collaboration and support with this project.

26/09/2026

We hosted our second successful dementia workshop, this time in Hands That Talk, in Dungiven. Thanks to the trainers from the Alzheimer’s Society, Fiona and Anouska, also Deborah and JulieAnne Ferguson, for sharing their insights. The workshop was incredibly interactive, impactful and emotional at times.
Participants enjoyed lunch and the opportunity to discuss their learning, ask further questions and socialise.

24/09/2026

A recap of our Dementia and the Deaf Community workshop at Malone Lodge 👋

We had a great opportunity to learn more about dementia, share experiences and have open conversations about supporting ourselves and others — including Power of Attorney and planning ahead.

It was great to learn, connect and share in an accessible space.

A big thank you to Alzheimer's Society Northern Ireland and the Ferguson sisters for a brilliant session, and to everyone who joined us! 💙🙌

23/09/2026

Happy International Day of Sign Languages! 💙

Today at Jordanstown School, we marked the NI Sign Language Act and celebrated an important milestone for the Deaf community in Northern Ireland.

Pupils brought Deaf identity, language and culture to life through their creative Deaf Flag artwork, sharing what the Act means to them.

Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, marked the first Commencement Order for the Sign Language (NI) Act 2026, highlighting how the Act can create opportunities and help remove barriers.

Now we're looking ahead to turning the Act into action.

💙🩵💛

22/09/2026

21/09/2026

Today we’re celebrating our amazing Deafened Course students! 💙

Our class is learning British Sign Language, building confidence, and empowering each other through communication. We’re so proud of everyone’s progress and the supportive atmosphere in the room.

A brilliant example of how access, learning and community can change lives. 👏

19/09/2026

Understanding dementia together 🧠

Dementia and the Deaf Community Workshop at Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast on Saturday 19 September.

A huge thank you to Alzheimer's Society Northern Ireland and Ferguson sisters for sharing their knowledge, insights and experiences with us.