New organisation appointed to provide support to deaf and hard of hearing community across Northamptonshire from day after Deafconnect closes
A new organisation has been appointed to provide support to the deaf and hard of hearing community across Northamptonshire.
RJ Community CIC will take over the county-wide service from Wednesday April 1, which is the day after current provider is due to close. Deafconnect brought forward its closing date as the “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 and had previously warned that there could be three-to-four week gap in provision while a replacement service is established.
The new provider supports deaf, deafblind, and people with hearing loss to access information, advocacy, training, and community activities.
Ruth Godden, CEO, RJ Community CIC, said: “We are delighted to be working with NNC to continue providing vital support for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people across the area. We recognise how important continuity of support is, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition while building a strong, responsive service shaped by the community.
"At RJ Community CIC, we believe in ‘your community, your way’ — delivering inclusive, accessible services that reflect local needs. We look forward to working with residents and partners to make a positive and lasting difference.”
Deafconnect will continue to offer services by appointment only until Tuesday March 31. During this period, the councils say they will also continue to provide information and advice through its web pages.
Councillor Eddie McDonald, NNC’s deputy leader said: “We have acted quickly to make sure support continues without interruption. Our priority is ensuring that people feel supported, connected, and confident that their needs will continue to be met.”
Councillor Laura Couse, WNC’s Cabinet Member for adult care and public health added: "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."
Deafconnect used Spencer Dallington Community Centre as a hub to provide its services. No additional information has been released about the centre, specifically, but Lucy Rigby, MP for Northampton North, said last week that has said the council will announce a new provider for the centre in “due course”.