The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People has existed since 1866. Throughout its long history, the single objective has been to respond to the expressed needs and aspirations of Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, Blind and partially sighted people. This has been achieved by the active participation of community members, involved at every level of the Society.
The success of The Society is without doubt due to the active pursuit of this policy. However, we recognise the value of the large number of people who have given and continue to give their time and talents in a voluntary capacity, and this valuable input, has been a significant factor in the progress of the Society.
There are few, if any, other voluntary societies which provide services for Deaf, Blind and DeafBlind people. The reputation of The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People is virtually without equal in this regard, and the benefit of our advice, opinion and experience is sought by people throughout the UK. The Society recognises that its partnership with the NHS has been a significant factor in this success.
The Society continually strives to improve access for the Deaf, Blind and DeafBlind communities of Leeds. This is achieved by listening to our members and service users and working with them to develop. By consultation and cooperation, we shall ensure that we enable each person to have the opportunity of choice, leading to achieving their personal potential and independent living.
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Openspace, a registered CIC and non-profit, is a specialized day service for Deaf or non-verbal adults with additional needs. They provide a welcoming, creative environment focused on social therapy, helping service users develop communication skills through British Sign Language. This helps to reduce isolation, and improve health and wellbeing. Their dedicated staff empower individuals to live as independently as possible.
In 2025, the team at Open Space hope to organize a group holiday for 17 service users, many of whom have never travelled abroad. Fully supported by 9 trained staff, this experience could be life-changing, offering social connections, confidence building, and improved mental health. Some service users cannot afford this opportunity, so they are seeking funding or donations to make this dream a reality. The estimated cost is £900 per person.
“Chris, who has Cerebral Palsy, lives alone and has never been abroad. Openspace is where he feels accepted, communicating in BSL and enjoying new experiences. A holiday would be a dream come true.”
“Chloe, also with Cerebral Palsy, attends Openspace daily and has never been on holiday. A huge Leeds United fan, she’s thrilled by the idea of traveling with her friends from Openspace.”
The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People named as one of the 49 recipients of a ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap sapling
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The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People is honored to be one of the 49 recipients of the National Trust’s ‘Trees of Hope,’ grown from the seeds of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. Selected from nearly 500 applications, this sapling will be planted in the Society’s grounds during winter 2025/26.
It will serve as a symbol of growth, renewal, and connection, providing a welcoming space for the community to enjoy for generations. This meaningful gift marks a new chapter, honoring the past while inspiring hope for the future. 🌳💚 #NationalTrust #TreeOfHope
We’re excited to announce a new Level 1 BSL course starting on the 21st of January! Classes will be held every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
The course fee is £550, and it’s accredited by Signature. Upon completion, you’ll receive an official certificate. This is the course specification: BSL1-2023.pdf
The class will be held at: The Centre, St Marys Street, LS9 7DP
✨ Current BSL Classes in Progress! ✨
Our BSL Level 1 and Level 2 classes that started in September 2024 are now in full swing! It’s fantastic to see so many enthusiastic learners taking their first steps or continuing their journey with British Sign Language.
To read more information on this, click the link below. Alternatively email us at BSLLEEDS@lsdbp.org / grace.barker-simpson@lsdbp.org
We have a variety of groups and clubs who meet regularly at the Centre. These include a weekly over 55 group, social club, drama, and parent and child activities.
The Social Squad is a space where people can come and be together socially. It is a fun group which is led by the wishes of the community, those who attend. We usually run every two weeks on a Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm at The Centre.
We have a café available which serves drinks and snacks. Table tennis is usually out for the adults and children to play with. We offer craft activities, games, and chat, including an hour of BSL chat. Everyone seems to enjoy this session.
We are excited to announce that we will be attending the International Day of Disabled People Marketplace Event on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, at Leeds City Museum!
This year’s theme, “Advocating for Accessibility,” highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility for all. The event will feature inspiring discussions, advocacy services, and special guests, including the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
Come along to celebrate the contributions of disabled people in Leeds, connect with the community, and learn more about the work being done to promote accessibility. We look forward to seeing you there!
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From the 28 of April 2023 Sign Live (a remote interpreting telephone relay service) will be available at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals. This provision was set-up in cooperation with the Trust to bridge the gap during emergency situations. All staff in the Accident and Emergency departments will have access to Sign Live for Deaf patients who require access to an interpreter. It is understood that a face-to-face interpreter is always preferred, but at short notice, or during an emergency, a remote interpreter will be available through Sign Live. For more information, click here, where you will also find a video on how to download the Sign Live app.
Breakdown Advice from National Highways
Below is a BSL version of the breakdown advice provided by National Highways.
You can also access Sign Live in the event of a breakdown. For more information, please click on the link below.
Updates from Sign Health
| Report: Shaping the future of deaf mental health We know there are unfair and avoidable differences between the mental health services available to deaf and hearing people. This doesn’t need to be the case. Thank you to everyone who shared your experiences and expertise to highlight the changes we need in deaf mental health services. Our report outlines the stark inequalities and gaps in mental health provision for deaf people in England. It was created with input from deaf service users, the wider Deaf community, families and carers and staff who work within the services. We are optimistic that NHS England will take action on the recommendations listed in the report. We will continue to work closely with NHS England to improve the quality of mental health services for all deaf people. |
Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project is led by a Deaf team and provides virtual emotional and practical support to Deaf people experiencing Cancer.
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The Centre, which provides essential services to the Deaf and Blind communities in Leeds, is at risk of closing unless we raise £100,000 urgently. People use this place for education, access to information, booking interpreters for British Sign Language (BSL) and most importantly of all, the wellbeing of our community with social events for all ages and all ability. For many in the Deaf BSL community, the Centre is more than just a place; it’s a second home where they feel welcomed, understood, and connected, which is essential for their overall well-being and mental health. Please help us save this invaluable resource now.
Nine out of ten of the board members have a hearing or sight loss. The community would be devastated by the loss of this central hub which they treasure and care for. Please give generously to this wonderful cause!
The Centre offers vital services to the Deaf and Blind communities of Leeds. If we do not do something now, it is at risk of closing. We have many volunteers who come to support The Centre, helping with all of the following roles:
- · Café workers,
- · Creative crafts workers,
- · Gardeners,
- · Bar workers,
- · Cleaners,
- · Youth workers,
- · Office support,
- · Events organisers
Help us to save our Centre and share widely
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Our charity number is: 227169
Hours and Information
The Centre, The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People,
St Mary’s Street, The Centre, Leeds, LS9 7DP, GB
0113 2438328
Monday 09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday 09:00 – 17:00
Friday 09:00 – 16:30