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, and community connection.
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 2023/2024 year at Newcastle Deaf Centre was marked by Growth, Advocacy, and Community. 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 establishes a series of annual public events giving them a catchy title of Deaf Centre Make Some Noise!
DC Make Some Noise!
Our first event: DC Make Some Noise! linked to the International Week of Deaf Awareness, was a huge success. It sparked a series of further celebrations, including International Day of Sign Languages, the North East Festival of Technology, and Heritage Open Days, creating opportunities to raise awareness, spark conversations, showcase Deaf culture and make more noise!
The DC Family Hub
We expanded our outreach by opening our doors to local children and families, many from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, who were previously supported by the Caritas founded project - the Mercy Hub. Thus, the DC Family Hub was born. The Centre now celebrates holidays and milestones, taking children on nature trips, teaching British Sign Language, and providing nutritious meals and arts and sports experiences. This led to the formation of the Deaf Centre Youth Group (DCYG), where we empower teens to challenge their limits and dream big.
Employability Clinics, Counselling, and Workshops
Beyond youth support, we help parents and volunteers through employability clinics, counselling, and workshops, fostering their growth into education, volunteering, and employment. Collaboration has been key to our success. We've partnered with BSL schools, Deaf Welfare Support, and regional rail providers like Northern Rail, LNER and Transpennine Express to improve services for the Deaf community, including BSL touchscreens and interpreted announcements.
Academic Research
Our involvement in academic research, such as the project on Universal Credit and mental health with Newcastle University, gave a platform to unheard voices and attracted interest from local MP Chi Onwurah who since pays regular visits to the Centre. We also collaborate with Universities and Tech companies across the UK and welcome students from around the world to complete their placements.
It has been my privilege to work with the SVP Newcastle Deaf Centre for many years, although SVP members have had a much longer association with the Deaf Community on Tyneside. Our local support group is made up of SVP members, members of the Deaf Social Club and the Deaf Pastoral Group, the Deaf Chaplain and the SVP Centre Manager. We meet bi-monthly to review the activities of the Centre in its work for the Deaf Community and the local non-deaf community, together with the maintenance of the building and facilities.
During the year, the work has expanded to develop how deaf people are supported, particularly young deaf people; but also reaching out into the local nondeaf community who are in need, with links to the Missionaries of Charity nuns who serve the surrounding area. The Deaf Centre building is showing its age, and repairs and maintenance are a continuing concern, but staff have learned to be resilient.
A special mention to Fr Robert Kilnen, who has now retired as Deaf Centre Chaplain after fourty three years of dedicated service, but who continues to “say” Mass in sign language. The Deaf Centre staff and volunteers have had a difficult year but have risen to the challenge, as you will see in this report. They are to be congratulated on all their efforts and enthusiasm. With our support and prayers, long may it continue!
Michael Burke - SVP Tyne Central Council
Though we celebrate many victories, challenges remain. Our stunning Grade II listed building needs constant maintenance, with key repairs like the lift, electrical wiring, and internet upgrades still required. We continue to seek support for these essential improvements.
This journey has never been about walking alone. It’s been about community, kindness, and shared growth. Together, we continue to dream big, learning something new every day, and trusting that the future of the Newcastle Deaf Centre is bright.
