The SVP Deaf Centre Newcastle is an inclusive community hub that brings people together through advocacy, education, cultural events, family and youth support, and partnerships that promote accessibility, empowerment, young leadership and community connection.
Our mission is driven by: Advocacy, Inclusion & Collaboration. By supporting the Deaf community and those local to the area – we aspire to bring people together. We offer advice information and guidance, and weekly mentoring and peer-support sessions. Our focus is on education and person-to-person support to empower the local Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing communities - that’s everyone!
The Newcastle Deaf Centre, became a part of the SVP Community Support Project (CSP) in 2023. It is also then when I started to project manage the Centre, setting it on its transformative journey with a vision of inclusion, collaboration, and education. With its recent history as Our Lady of Lourdes Deaf Club being quiet, we made it our mission to bring the community back together and establish a series of annual public events giving them a catchy title of Deaf Centre Make Some Noise!
Our journey began with DC Make Some Noise!, our first major event linked to the International Week of Deaf Awareness celebrated in May. It was a remarkable success—full of energy, pride, and connection. The momentum from that day led to a series of further celebrations throughout the year, including the International Day of Sign Languages, the TechNExt North East Festival of Technology, Purple Tuesday and Heritage Open Days. Each event created new opportunities to raise awareness, start meaningful conversations, showcase Deaf culture, and—of course—make some noise.
As our events grew, so did our community. We opened our doors to local children and families, many from immigrant and refugee backgrounds previously supported by the Mercy Hub, a Caritas‑founded project. From this, the DC Family Hub was born—a welcoming space where families can learn, play, and belong.Today, the Centre celebrates cultural milestones, takes children on nature adventures, introduces them to British Sign Language, and provides rich experiences in art, sport, and creative expression. This spirit of growth and empowerment inspired the creation of the Deaf Centre Youth Group (DCYG)—a place where young people can build confidence, challenge their limits, and dream bigger than ever.
Alongside crisis support, we are committed to helping our community thrive in the long term. Through our employability clinics and practical workshops, parents and volunteers gain the confidence and skills to step into education, volunteering, and meaningful employment. We’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible personal journeys—individuals discovering new strengths and building brighter futures.
Collaboration continues to be at the heart of our progress. We’ve proudly partnered with BSL schools, Deaf Welfare Support, and major rail providers including Northern Rail, LNER, and TransPennine Express to create more accessible travel experiences for Deaf passengers. These partnerships are driving real change, from introducing BSL-enabled touchscreens to improving onboard announcements and fostering inclusive customer culture.
Our active involvement in academic and technology research ensures that voices often unheard are finally being listened to. This work has drawn interest and support from leaders such as local MP Chi Onwurah and Shezad Nawab, MBE, further amplifying the importance of Deaf inclusion and innovation. We also collaborate with universities and tech companies across the UK to offer meaningful work experience and placements. So far, we’ve welcomed students from around the world—each bringing new energy, ideas, and perspectives to our Centre. Together, we are building a community that uplifts every voice, celebrates every identity, and opens doors to endless possibilities.
