People supported by Deafconnect in Northamptonshire 'feel they have nowhere to turn' as closure brought forward, according to MP
Deaf people and those with hearing-impairments have been left feeling like they “have nowhere to turn”, as the closure of the service has been brought forward, according to an MP.
Earlier this year, Deafconnect announced it would close in June. However, this week the charity has announced it will stop all client-based services from the end of March, as its “financial position is more challenging than previously understood”.
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are jointly responsible for commissioning the county’s statutory sensory impairment services. The authorities are working to make sure a new information and advice service for deaf people is available from April 2026, however, they have warned that there may be a three-to-four week gap in provision while a replacement service is established.
The update also means that there will be no operator for Spencer Dallington Community Centre, which Deafconnect uses as a hub to provide its services. Lucy Rigby, MP for Northampton North, has said the council will announce a new provider for the centre in “due course”.
The MP has also offered her support to those who feel they have “nowhere to turn”.
In a statement, Lucy Rigby said: “Very sad to hear that Deafconnect is closing at the end of this month instead of June as initially expected.
“Since announcing their closure in January, I have worked with councillors and other local stakeholders to press on West Northamptonshire Council, including a meeting with the council leader, the urgency of supporting the charity and securing alternative providers to ensure there is no lapse in its vital support.
“Unfortunately, trustees of Deafconnect have decided, given the financial position, that the charity must close earlier than expected.
“The closure also means there is, as yet, no operator for the Spencer Dallington Community Centre, which serves as an important hub for the area. I understand the council will announce who will take over the centre in due course.
“My priority now is to ensure there is continued provision for deaf and hearing-impaired residents, who I know now feel they have nowhere to turn to. My office is speaking with council officers on what is being planned to fill this gap and continue providing support.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the whole team at Deafconnect, especially its CEO Jenni, for the service they have given to deaf people in Northampton for so many years.”
Anyone affected by the closure can email [email protected] or call 01604 915131.
Councillor Eddie McDonald, executive member for adult services at NNC, 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.”
British Sign Language (BSL) students are also impacted by the closure, as classes can no longer take place at Deafconnect. WingHandsBSL has, however, stepped in and students will be able to complete their studies at the WingHandsBSL centre.