British Deaf Association Scotland

19/06/2026

Deaf Roots & Pride (DRP) Transitions Project - Social isolation and loneliness

DRP Transitions visits St Roch's Secondary, Glasgow

Sally from BDA Scotland visited the school to raise awareness of social isolation and loneliness and to encourage discussion among Deaf pupils about these important issues.

BDA Scotland would like to thank the teachers and staff at the secondary school for welcoming us and providing the opportunity to deliver our Social Isolation and Loneliness presentation to Deaf young people.

Their contribution has enabled us to engage with Deaf young people and raise awareness of the impact of social isolation and loneliness within the Deaf young people. It was interesting session to bring Deaf pupils together to have a conversation about this.

We would also like to thank Impact Funding Partners for their generous support in funding this project.

We would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and The Robertson Trust for funding the DRP Transitions Scotland project.

18/06/2026

BDA Scotland's Social Isolation & Loneliness – Dumfries & Galloway Deaf Society

BDA Scotland were delighted to visit Dumfries & Galloway Deaf Society in Dumfries, to meet with members and talk about how to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

The members were really interested to learn more about the differences between loneliness and isolation, and to receive guidance and advice on how they might tackle/prevent social isolation and loneliness within the Deaf community. We also shared tips on how people could make changes to their lives to increase social opportunities and not feel so lonely.

The visit was a great opportunity for members to talk about their experiences in BSL and share stories of loneliness and/or isolation within family, work and Deaf group settings. The topic sparked a number of very interesting conversations in safe space at Dumfries & Galloway Deaf Society.

BDA Scotland would like to thank Dumfries & Galloway Deaf Society for allowing us to come along and share this important information with their members.

BDA Scotland would also like to thank Impact Funding Partners for funding this project.

18/06/2026

New MyCare.scot Health App launched

The Scottish Government have now launched MyCare.scot service. this is where you can access your health information.

You will need to register with ScotAccount to access on computer or download app on mobile.

To register: https://www.mygov.scot/scotaccount

The app will show your:

• Medicine & allergy information
• health and wellbeing services near you
• Community Health Index (CHI) number
• COVID-19 and flu vaccination record since 2021
• Your personal details

MyCare.scot will include more features soon.

NHS inform Website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/mycare

BSL video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBHU-cVzBxo

This a British Sign Language (BSL) version. This video shows how ...

17/06/2026

BDA Scotland – Afternoon Tea Canal

BDA Scotland organised an Afternoon Tea Canal Cruise in Kirkintilloch for members of Deaf community. The event provided an opportunity for Deaf people to come together, enjoy afternoon tea, and take a relaxing cruise along the canal.

As this week is Loneliness Awareness Week, the event provided a perfect opportunity for Deaf people to get together, connect with others, and enjoy a shared experience in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

This event is important in tackling social isolation and loneliness by providing a safe and inclusive space for Deaf people to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It helped strengthen community bonds while supporting individual wellbeing, leaving people with positive memories of a fun and enjoyable day.

BDA Scotland would like to extend its sincere thanks to the staff at Forth & Clyde Canal Cruises for their warm welcome and support in making the event such a success.

We would also like to gratefully acknowledge Impact Funding Partners for their generous support of this project.

17/06/2026

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 sixth group discussion will take place on:

When: Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Deadline: Monday, 22 June 2026

During the session, Wendy will share her personal experience of caring for her dad at home.

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.

16/06/2026

Men's Health Week 2026

This week, 15th - 21st June 2026, is Men's Health week.

James chatted with Kristers about why men's health is important and why we need to be open about our health.

We would like to thank The Scottish Government and Equality & Human Rights Fund for funding our BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 project. We would also thank Inspiring Scotland for their support of our project.

12/06/2026

BDA Scotland’s Deaf Roots & Pride (DRP) Transitions

DRP Transitions delivered workshops in May, with P4 - P7 Primary schools based in Glasgow.

Mural Art

Helen from BDA Scotland led a creative mural art workshop in BSL with the Deaf pupils.

The pupils worked independently, showing fantastic creativity, focus, and attention to detail in their artwork. Together, the groups explored ideas for murals they would love to see displayed on a wall, including themes such as:

🎨Identity
🎨Colour choice
🎨Emotions

The school itself has its own beautiful Mural Art in the playground, in BSL with colourful lettering spelling out 'Welcome'. This was the perfect addition to the workshop and allows the pupils of the school to have strong connection and pride for their Deafness.

We would like to thank all school staff for welcoming us and allowing us to deliver our DRP sessions to their Deaf young people.

BDA Scotland would also like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and Robertson Trust for funding the DRP Transitions project.

BDA Scotland is also grateful to the The Scottish Government and the Equality and Human Rights Fund for funding work related to the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015, and to Inspiring Scotland for their continued support. We also thank Scottish Civic Trust for supporting BSL Guides training.

11/06/2026

BDA Scotland – Glasgow 2026 Festival Funding Announcement

BDA Scotland is delighted to announce that we have secured funding through the Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund to support Deaf communities in Glasgow through a programme of engagement, participation, and accessible activities.

This exciting project aligns with the Gathering and Celebration themes of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, helping to build community spirit, promote inclusion, and generate excitement in the lead-up to the Games.

BDA Scotland will create opportunities for Deaf people to come together, celebrate Deaf culture, and take part in activities connected to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Glasgow 2026, Commonwealth Sport, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, and sportscotland for their support in making this project possible.

For more information visit www.glasgow2026festival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G2026/

10/06/2026

BDA Scotland - Healthy Eating & Rights

We recently had Naomi, of Naomi Goldman Nutrition, travelling to Scotland to give local Scottish Deaf community and Deaf pupils of St Roch's Secondary School information about healthy eating & rights.

Firstly, Naomi met with the pupils to learn about energy drinks and how they affect their learning and the need to rest. Then we went to Lanarkshire Deaf Hub in Motherwell for the Deaf community members. The attendees enjoyed the presentation and had many questions for Naomi!

BDA Scotland would like to thank Naomi for her time to come to Scotland and giving valuable information which the attendees learned a lot from her.

You can have a look at her page: https://www.facebook.com/naomigoldman4nutrition/?locale=en_GB

Her website: https://naomigoldman.com/

We would like to thank all the attendees for their time and contributions.

We would also like to thank the Lanarkshire Deaf Hub for the warm welcome and support for making the event goes smoothly.

In addition, we would like to thank St Roch's Secondary School for their warm welcome and their pupils for their time & contributions.

We would like to thank The Scottish Government and Equality & Human Rights Fund for funding our BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 project. We would also thank Inspiring Scotland for their support of our project.

We would also like to thank Impact Funding Partners for their funding and support of our Social Isolation & Loneliness Project.

09/06/2026

Women’s Right to Vote: Reflections

Following the recent Scottish Parliament election in May 2026, Helen from BDA Scotland discussed with Abbie, a member of the Youth Advisory Group (YAG), about what it means to vote as women today.

Together, they reflected on the generations of women who fought tirelessly to secure the right to vote and discussed the importance of continuing to use our voices to shape society and influence change.

Their conversation highlighted why voting remains an important way for women to participate in democracy, have their views represented, and help build a more equal future.

We would like to thank The Scottish Government and Equality & Human Rights Fund for funding our BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 project. We would also thank Inspiring Scotland for their support of our project.