Northamptonshire charity Deafconnect to stop providing its services from the end of March due to 'challenging' financial position
Deafconnect has announced that it will cease its client-based deaf and hard of hearing services from the end of March.
The charity says its financial position is more challenging than previously understood and that it is unable to continue delivering the service beyond March 31.
Until that date, Deafconnect, which supports deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deafblind people in Northamptonshire, will still offer services by appointment only.
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) is working to make sure a new information and advice service for deaf people is available from April 2026. This is to make sure the deaf community can continue receiving support.
The council has proactively engaged with a range of organisations regarding a replacement service and have received three expressions of interest.
Engagement has also taken place with members of the deaf community. They have shown a strong willingness to collaborate with the council as experts by experience. It is hoped their involvement will support a fuller understanding of community needs and inform the redesign of a future service.
Cllr Eddie McDonald, NNC’s deputy leader and executive member for adult services, said: “We recognise that this has been an unsettling and uncertain time for the deaf community.
"Our aim is to establish a service model that more effectively reflects the needs of the community while reducing reliance on more formal care and support services.
"Given the level of interest from appropriate and capable organisations, and subject to following a robust governance and grants process, a new replacement service could realistically be mobilised by mid to late April 2026."
The council has said there may be a three-to-four week gap in service provision while a replacement service is established.
During this period, the council will provide information and advice through its web pages, including signposting to relevant regional and national services.
It may also be possible for the successful provider to deliver a minimal service from April 1, 2026, subject to further discussion and agreement.
If you need help or want to book an appointment with Deafconnect until March 31, 2026, phone (voice/text relay) 01604 589011 or email [email protected].
Information and advice will also continue to be available online.
Further information and advice resources are available below: