Having our community at the centre of everything we do.
Providing a welcoming, sustainable and safe place where everyone feels at home and is treated as an equal.
Enabling individuals, families and friends to connect and access support, resources and services, appropriate to their needs.
Helping other organisations to develop their services to better meet the needs of Deaf, Blind and Deafblind People.
Celebrating successes and respecting all.
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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Our latest news
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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 National Trust has announced the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People as one of the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK.
The big reveal in National Tree Week follows the charity’s invitation on the anniversary of the felling of the much-loved tree at the end of September for applications for one of the saplings grown from its seed. Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling. The saplings are currently being cared for at the charity’s Plant Conservation Centre, and they should be strong and sturdy enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.
The new homes for the saplings will all be in publicly accessible spaces, enabling many more people to feel part of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy with recipients from all across the UK including The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, Holly’s Hope in conjunction with Hexham Abbey in Northumberland, and The Tree Sanctuary and Tree Amigos in Coventry.
The first sycamore gap sapling to successfully grow from seed from the felled tree was gifted to His Majesty the King in Honour of Celebration Day in May for planting in winter 2025/26 in Windsor Great Park for visitors to enjoy as a symbol of the hope and beauty that can come from loss.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all”.
The National Trust is an independent conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people: Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, who saw the importance of the nation’s heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy.
Our beloved Cherry Tree has unfortunately come to the end of its life and needs removing. We have decided that our Tree of Hope will make a fantastic replacement, a symbol of growth and renewal. After these few challenging years, this brings a fresh perspective, inspiring hope for the future. This sapling will grow and thrive alongside our community.
The photo on the left shows highlights the Cherry Trees current damage. The hollowed-out section reveals trunk decay, which compromises the tree’s stability and increases the risk of it breaking or falling.
The Tree of Hope holds deep significance for The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People, its a connection to our past and a beacon of hope for the future. Planted in our grounds, it will provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone to visit and enjoy for years to come.
Sycamore Gap – 49 Trees of Hope recipients | National Trust
Facebook/Instagram/X/Threads/TikTok: @nationaltrust
YouTube: @nationaltrustcharity
#NationalTrust
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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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New Job Vacancy
The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People are looking to hire a full-time or part-time fully qualified interpreter.
Please contact chair@lsdbp.org
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✨ BSL Classes in Progress! ✨
We’re excited to announce that our BSL Level 1 and Level 2 classes 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.
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Social groups
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.
To find out more: Social Activities (lsdbp.org)
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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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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