Newcastle Deaf Centre have built valuable working relationships with organisations and individuals that share our commitment to empowering Deaf and hearing communities. We are proud to work closely with local BSL providers delivers classes directly from our Centre—bringing accessible learning opportunities into the heart of our community. Our partnerships means that we can support individuals ensuring that people can access information, skill building, and advocacy when they need it most.
We are also proud to work in partnership with Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, and LNER, where our staff and volunteers regularly contribute to research, testing, and feedback events. Their lived experience and expertise have played a vital role in shaping innovative accessibility developments across the rail network. These collaborations have already supported the creation of projects such as BSL-enabled touchscreen facilities in stations and BSL interpretation for station announcements and customer service marking important steps toward greater inclusion for Deaf passengers. We look forward to continuing this work as the railway industry strives to enhance its services. By championing Deaf advocacy and embedding inclusive practices, our partnership creatine more accessible, confident, and positive travel experiences for everyone.
Our collaboration with the National Deaf Children Society (NDCS) began with an inspiring Christmas Gala evening at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, when we celebrated the incredible work of the Society highlighting the shared importance of accessibility, visibility of British Sign Language, and Deaf representation in every space. We are delighted to work closely together and the funding that will open our doors to welcome the youngest Deaf demographic to the Newcastle Deaf Centre. A standout highlight of the Gala event was meeting Shezad Nawab MBE—award‑winning Deaf entrepreneur, speaker, and author. His insights into resilience, innovation, and leadership were powerful and uplifting. We are thrilled to hear that Shezad is keen to build closer links with our Centre and support our young deaf community moving forward: "Your leadership and vision for Deaf empowerment in Newcastle are inspiring, and I’m excited about the opportunities we can build together.There is real potential for us to create something long-term, whether through workshops, Deaf business mentoring, or a new initiative such as Newcastle Deaf Talent or Newcastle Deaf Business Start-Up. I would be pleased to support you with strategy, delivery, or speaking."
Our meeting with the Newcastle United Foundation disability team resulted in expressing a strong interest in providing specialist training and professional coaching opportunities for our Deaf members. Many retired Deaf players and long-standing Newcastle United supporters remain connected with our Centre and were delighted to learn about this fantastic opportunity. Alongside football we continue to show our commitment to our community and its growth through other sport partnerships: Beamish Golf Club, Consett Rugby Club and Benwell Cricket Club.
Still, our involvement with experienced professionals goes beyond our engagement with inclusive sports. We built links with NUcastle Foundation, Kings Trust and Team VIY ( Volunteer It Yourself) who help the young community to develop skills, and build confidence. Their dedication to empowering youth perfectly mirrors the mission of the Newcastle Deaf Centre, where we also challenge, support, and mentor young people as they discover new opportunities and learn new skills. They also give young people the opportunity to learn valuable trade skills while transforming community spaces and places. We are truly grateful for these collaborations - they inspire us to continue making a positive difference.
Newcastle Deaf Centre has officially become a Training Centre for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity whose mission is to provide life‑changing support to individuals with hearing loss. The organisation trains highly skilled assistance dogs who are specially selected to alert deaf people to important sounds and safety signals, including doorbells, alarms, and smoke detectors. These remarkable dogs offer not only practical assistance but also increased independence, confidence, and companionship. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and improving the lives of deaf people and those with hearing loss across the region.
As part of this partnership, our team now has the privilege of welcoming the dogs and trainers to the Centre each month. Their visits bring joy to staff, volunteers, and community members alike — a wonderful bonus to a collaboration that already means so much. We look forward to supporting the charity’s vital work and helping shape the next generation of assistance dogs who will make a profound difference in people’s everyday lives.
