Charity supporting thousands marks 50 year anniversary
A charity that began life as Cheshire Deaf Society is marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of support for people with hearing and sensory loss across the region.
Deaf & Sensory Network, now known as DSN, supports thousands of people across Cheshire and North East Wales, delivering services from bases in Chester, Northwich and Macclesfield, alongside outreach work in local communities.
The organisation launched its anniversary year with a 1970s-themed event on 2 April, recognising the contribution of staff and volunteers through activities including games and quizzes.
DSN employs more than 80 staff and provides a range of services including social care, assistive technology, training, community groups and supported living.
Its supported living services in Northwich, which are also marking 35 years, offer specialist care for people who are deaf or deafblind, including those with complex needs, supporting independent living.
The charity works in partnership with several local authorities, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council, helping people access healthcare, housing and wider support.
DSN has also contributed to research with the University of Manchester examining links between sensory loss and dementia.
Alongside care services, the organisation delivers British Sign Language courses from beginner to interpreter level, and provides deaf awareness training to organisations such as Manchester Airport, Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
CEO Gill Reeder said: “I’m so proud to be reaching this milestone alongside our amazing team. We’ve grown and evolved over the years, but our purpose has always remained the same – to support people to live independently and feel fully connected to the world around them. This year is about celebrating everything that has gone before and looking ahead to what the future looks like for DSN.”
DSN Chairman Dave Fardo added: “This is a team that genuinely cares. The work they do – often behind the scenes – has a profound impact on people’s lives and it’s been my privilege to see it evolve during my tenure. DSN is an organisation that never sits still in the pursuit of empowering people with sensory loss and that is something to be incredibly proud of. Here’s to the next 50!”
Around one in five people are affected by hearing loss, with DSN continuing to provide services across Cheshire, North East Wales and surrounding areas.
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