To raise the profile of the Newcastle Deaf Centre and increase visibility of our work, we proudly bring the community together each year through DC Make Some Noise!—our open‑doors series of annual public events celebrating Deaf culture and promoting Deaf awareness. Running from May through to November, this vibrant programme showcases the strength, creativity, and diversity of our community. Across these months, we host a wide range of activities that highlight inclusion, encourage meaningful conversation, and create opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about Deaf culture and the work we do.
Every May, the world comes together to mark Deaf Awareness Week, a celebration dedicated to increasing understanding of Deaf culture and raising visibility around the challenges faced by the Deaf community. It is also a time when Newcastle Deaf Centre inspire others to become stronger allies, advocates, and inclusive communicators.
Over the past two years, we were thrilled to receive support from comedian John Bishop, whose son is Deaf. After learning about our work, John invited us to his show, giving our team a special behind‑the‑scenes VIP experience alongside renowned Deaf comedian Gavin Lilley. Their generosity, warmth, and genuine interest in our mission left a lasting impression. We’re delighted that both John and Gavin have expressed a desire to support the Deaf Centre further, and we hope to welcome them onto our stage one day! John even tweeted about meeting us and shared his thanks for the gift he received from the NDC—a moment that brought extra visibility and pride to our community.
This annual celebration also provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome students from local schools and colleges. Through interactive workshops and creative games that encourage communication without speech, young people gain first‑hand insight into Deaf awareness, imagination, and inclusive communication. The feedback from these sessions is consistently uplifting, with visitors expressing how ‘powerful and eye‑opening the experience has been’, and how it ‘strengthened understanding of the vibrant Deaf community of the Newcastle Deaf Centre’.
September is always a special month for us, as we proudly celebrate the International Day of Sign Language. Every year we welcome to the Centre Deaf and hearing children and students from local schools and colleges. Throughout the day they explore the richness of British Sign Language, meet with a former Deaf Newcastle United Football Manager, and enjoy a guided tour of our building. They further take part in a range of Deaf-focused games designed to deepen their understanding of Deaf culture in a fun and interactive way.
We also support the schools in interpreting their school ethos songs into BSL—a moment that bring creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity to life. The feedback from students and teachers is always uplifting, highlighting how meaningful and memorable this experience is for everyone involved: Thank you for having us! The visit was a great experience both for our students and teachers. We are hoping to build on the visit and raise awareness amongst our students. Our plan is to incorporate signing of school ethos into assemblies and liturgies and strengthen our commitment to celebrating BSL communication, culture, and community.
Also in September we celebrate Heritage Open Day shining spotlight on history, community, and connection. This truly memorable occasion offers visitors from both the local community and far beyond the chance to explore our beautiful Grade II listed building in the heart of Summerhill Square, Newcastle. For many, it is their first opportunity to step inside this historic landmark—and to discover its hidden treasure: our stunning Chapel, complete with original stained‑glass windows made by the Deaf community that continue to inspire awe.
The day is an opportunity to enjoy workshops and presentations that bring to life the rich history of the Deaf community in the North East. Stories, images, and lived experiences help visitors understand not only our past, but also the significance of our community today. The response is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors spoke with enthusiasm about the building’s beauty, the warmth of the welcome, and the depth of heritage we were proud to share. Their feedback has energised us as we look ahead to future events: Thank you, Team NDC, for sharing with us your amazing space. We had wonderful time hearing about all the great work you have done and continue to do. You are inspiring. We look forward to our closer working together going forward.
In November we celebrate Purple Tuesday - a worldwide event that is a powerful movement dedicated to improving the customer experience for disabled people and their families—365 days a year. More than just a single day of recognition, it serves as a global reminder of the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful change across all sectors.
Each year, the Newcastle Deaf Centre proudly takes part in this celebration through our dedicated outreach work supporting organisations committed to enhancing their customer service for disabled people. Every year we visit businesses, community organisations, and industry partners to inspire practical improvements, share success stories, and highlight the positive impact of engaging with the disability market. These visits not only help organisations strengthen their accessibility practices, but also celebrate their achievements and encourage continued progress. Purple Tuesday is a powerful opportunity to champion inclusive experiences, raise awareness, and build a more accessible world—one commitment at a time.
Each June, we are proud to host TechNExt, the North East’s fringe tech festival that brings together communities, innovators, and curious minds. The day offers a vibrant space for guests to share ideas, explore the role of technology in everyday life, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future. A key highlight of the event is the powerful contribution from the Deaf community, who lead discussions on how emerging technologies—such as AI and virtual reality—can help bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing cultures. We also share insights from our ongoing collaborations with the tech industry and academic researchers, offering real-world perspectives on inclusive design and accessibility-focused innovation.
TechNExt is not just a celebration of technology; it is also a catalyst for new relationships and future partnerships. Each year, we welcome visitors from universities, industry, and the wider public who are eager to learn more about the work of the Deaf Centre. The atmosphere is energetic, inspiring, and full of possibility—reflecting the spirit of a community shaping a more inclusive technological future.
