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Social Groups and Events
We have a variety of groups and clubs who meet regularly at the Centre.
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.
Leeds & Wakefield NHS Breast Screening Service
A huge thank you to Emma, Joy, and Rachel from Leeds and Wakefield Breast Screening Unit within Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
We are truly grateful for the amazing session you delivered. We thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and appreciate how generously you shared your expertise while engaging so warmly with our Deaf community.
Your presentation made a lasting impression. We’ve already received wonderful feedback from attendees who found your insights both informative and inspiring. We learned so much about breast awareness, and you did an excellent job capturing the audience’s attention and keeping everyone engaged throughout. The session was well-organised, easy to follow, and created a vibrant and impactful experience for all.
Once again, thank you for your time, effort, and dedication. Your contribution is genuinely appreciated.
Purple Tuesday at Trinity Leeds
We had a fantastic day at Trinity Leeds taking part in #PurpleTuesday 💜
A huge thank you to Rosie Walters for inviting us to be part of this important event. It was a pleasure to have a stall at Trinity Leeds, where we spent the day meeting so many wonderful people and talking about the work we do as a charity.
Purple Tuesday is all about improving accessibility and inclusion, and it was great to raise awareness, share conversations, and highlight how we support accessible experiences for everyone 💜
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat and show their support.
Professional Supervision CPD Session
We recently welcomed freelance interpreters to The Centre for a networking event, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and familiarise themselves with our space.
Following the networking session, participants took part in a Professional Supervision CPD session hosted by Melissa Barker-Simpson and David Wycherley. The session was delivered entirely in BSL, ensuring full accessibility for both Deaf and hearing participants.
A highlight of the session was a reflective activity where participants selected a photograph to prompt discussion. This simple yet powerful exercise encouraged deeper exploration of thoughts and emotions, creating space for meaningful reflection and professional growth.
We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to such a thoughtful and engaging evening.
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It’s fantastic to see so many enthusiastic learners taking their first steps or continuing their journey with British Sign Language. We’re excited to announce a new Level 1 and Level 2 BSL course starting in September.
All our courses are accredited by Signature. Upon completion, you’ll receive an official certificate.
Contact us to express your interest : BSLLEEDS@lsdbp.org
The Level 1 course is £550. This is the course specification: BSL1-2023.pdf
The Level 2 course is £750. This is the course specification: BSL2-2023-1.pdf
Classes are held at: The Centre, St Marys Street, LS9 7DP
To read more information on what courses we provide and new upcoming classes, click the link below.
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The White Rose Shopping Centre have recently introduced ‘Sign Live’. This wonderful free service is designed to enhance the shopping experience for those who use BSL when they visit our centre. It’s super easy to use, just scan the QR code and a free BSL interpreter pops up to help. All our cleaning and security teams carry the QR code and it’s always available at the Guest Services desk too.
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 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
