A Northamptonshire organisation helping Deaf people make friends, build confidence and feel part of their community is celebrating a £20,000 National Lottery funding boost.

RJ Community CIC has secured the money for a year-long project creating new social opportunities, supporting families and helping Deaf residents shape activities across West and North Northamptonshire.

The initiative, called Connect, Lead & Thrive: Building a Modern Deaf Community, will run from November 1, 2026, until October 31, 2027.

Among its plans is recruiting and training Deaf volunteers as Community Connectors, who will welcome newcomers, encourage friendships and help people get involved in local groups.

There will also be social events, Deaf-led activities and a befriending scheme aimed at reducing isolation.

Families whose children have recently been diagnosed as Deaf will benefit from a pilot support programme, connecting them with other parents, accessible information and the wider Deaf community.

The award follows an encouraging start for RJ Community CIC, which was established earlier this year.

Its information, advice and support service has already provided help on 377 occasions during its first six months, covering everything from housing and employment to wellbeing, communication and independent living.

Matthew Wheeler, from RJ Community CIC, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured this funding, but what matters just as much is what we’re building together with the Deaf community across Northamptonshire.”

He added: “We’re seeing growing trust and engagement, with more people coming forward for support, connecting with others and sharing their ideas for the future.”

The organisation has already helped Corby Deaf Club establish a monthly social evening attracting more than 30 Deaf people, while community-inspired padel sessions have brought people together through sport.

Since launching, RJ Community CIC has secured more than £70,000 from seven funders for Deaf services and activities across Northamptonshire.

It hopes the latest grant will also strengthen partnerships with councils, health services and other organisations, making everyday services more accessible to Deaf, hard of hearing and Deafblind residents.

The project will also improve referral routes, helping people find the right advice and support while giving community members more opportunities to lead activities and share their experiences and ideas.

The organisation says its guiding principle, “Your community, your way”, means listening to what people need and helping them turn their own ideas into reality.

More information is available at www.rj-cic.co.uk.