Concerns deaf people in Northamptonshire will be 'pushed further into isolation' as pleas made to council to allocate more funding
Concerns have been raised that Deaf people in Northamptonshire will be “pushed further into isolation”, as pleas have been made to the council to allocate more funding to save dwindling services.
Jessica Pettican, a Deaf professional and businesswoman from Northamptonshire, addressed a West Northamptonshire full council meeting on Thursday March 26, raising concerns about the sudden closure of Deafconnect and whether sufficient support had been put in place to fill the gap in services.
In her speech, which she provided to the LDRS and was relayed to the chamber through an interpreter, she said: “I know firsthand what it’s like to live in a place where services are not accessible. It’s isolating. Even simple tasks like booking an appointment, seeking advice, or what support is available become a daily challenge if there’s no one who can communicate with me in British Sign Language.
“I have worked with the Deaf community since 2005 as an advice worker, independent advocate, and relay Deaf interpreter. I also manage a Deaf service in London, supporting people in crisis. I have seen how crucial accessible services are.
“Now, the local Deaf organisation that has served this area for 150 years has just closed, with drop-in services cut back three months earlier than planned, out of the blue. It’s people losing lifelines, people being left out, and people being pushed further into isolation.”
She explained that one in six adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss, meaning there could be tens of thousands of people in West Northamptonshire who are likely affected by hearing impairment.
Despite original plans to stay open until the end of June, Deafconnect will close on Tuesday March 31 due to lack of funds. Ms Pettican said her company, Deaf First CIC, would step in to take over the community hub and provide interim support until July, but that this move will not be sustainable in the long term.
Concerns were previously raised by Labour councillor Sally Keeble that the required level of support under the new service would be substantially reduced from the current offer the county has.
The council’s new contract requires the service to provide an online or remote information and advice service, a social events offer for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, and just one face-to-face drop-in or booked appointment service in West and North Northants each month.
In contrast, the Deafconnect charity has provided a wide range of services, including sign language interpreters, BSL training, advice social support groups for adults and children, and an accessible base at the Spencer Dallington Community Centre in Northampton five days a week.
Addressing the full council, Ms Pettican continued: “The funding situation is severe. What was once £250,000 worth of services has been reduced to just £22,000. This leaves almost nothing for the essential services that Deaf people depend on.
“The reality is that without sufficient funding, tens of thousands of people in West Northamptonshire are left without support – and the consequences are clear: increased isolation, declining mental health, and greater pressure on other public services.
“Being deaf shouldn’t mean being excluded, but without proper funding and support that is exactly what happens. These outcomes are not accidental. They are predictable and preventable – with the right investment.
“The law is clear. Under the Equality Act 2010, councils have a duty to make reasonable adjustments so Deaf people can access services. The Public Sector Equality Duty means this must be considered before decisions are made, not afterwards.
“Cutting services does not save money in the long term. It pushes people into crisis, increases demand on mental health services, and deepens inequality. Funding accessible services is not optional – it is about priorities, fairness and responsibility.
“Today, as councillors, you face a choice. You can allocate funds to services that prevent isolation, support wellbeing, and enable Deaf people in West Northamptonshire to fully engage in their communities.
“Equality isn’t just a line in a policy document. It’s something I live everyday.”
She received a standing ovation from the councillors in the gallery at the end of her speech.
While the level of grant funding from the councils has reduced over time, the council has said that the £22,000 grant funding offered now is the same level as in recent years. Deafconnect was previously able to leverage substantially more funding through external grant income and other donations to maintain its wide offering.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has gone to West Northants Council for comment. A spokesperson said they had no further comment to add and referred the LDRS to its update in which RJ Community CIC was announced as the new provider.
It said that the council had proactively engaged with a range of organisations regarding a replacement service and received a number of expressions of interest before the appointment.
Councillor Laura Couse, WNC’s cabinet member for adult care and public health, said: “Our priority is to ensure residents who are Deaf or hard of hearing continue to have relevant services that are easily accessible, inclusive, and tailored to support their independence and wellbeing.
“We welcome RJ Community CIC as our new partner and look forward to working together to enhance the support available across West Northamptonshire. This partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen how people access information and advice, and to ensure services are designed in a way that removes barriers and promotes greater inclusion.”
If you need help or want to book an appointment with Deafconnect until March 31, 2026, call: 01604 589011 or email: [email protected]. Information and advice will also continue to be available online.
From April 1, to book an appointment with RJ Community CIC email: [email protected] or call and text: 07721 064179. Information is also available online:www.rj-cic.co.uk.