Deaf Awareness Week 2025

What is Deaf Awareness Week?

Deaf Awareness Week is a yearly event dedicated to increasing understanding of the Deaf community, including its language, culture, and history. It serves as a time to honour Deaf identity, highlight the richness of Deaf culture, and support the push for equal access to communication and services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

When is Deaf Awareness Week 2025?

This year, Deaf Awareness Week is taking place from the 5th – 11th May. The theme, ‘Beyond Silence‘ invites all of us to reflect on the common misconceptions and stereotypes about the Deaf community and take this opportunity to learn more about the rich and diverse experiences, identities and contributions of Deaf individuals.

Where can I learn more about Deaf experiences and communication?

Please see the links below to organisations with a fantastic range of resources available:

Deafness Resource Centre

National Deaf Children’s Society

Royal National Institute for Deaf People

Local social groups –  d/Deaf/hard of hearing/hearing people 

Please see our updated list of local groups for 2025.

Friday group 

Fourth Friday of the month, 12-3pm 

Mainly for BSL (British Sign Language) and bi-lingual people, this sociable group share a meal in various North Somerset venues.  

New members always welcome. This group is supported by the local Deaf community. 

Telephone or email Care Connect for details 01275 888801 care.connect@n-somerset.gov.uk  

Communication café 

First Tuesday and third Thursday of the month, 10am-12pm 

SASS bar/cafe, 16 – 18 South Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1JN 

This sociable group is open to all people who enjoy communicating in BSL. It appeals to all ages and is popular with both younger and older Deaf people. Health professionals, charities and organisations also drop in to offer support, consult and get feedback. Citizens Advice provide regular support to people there who may need advice. 

Just drop in and stay as long as you want to. This group is supported by the local Deaf community, North Somerset Council and Citizens Advice North Somerset. Text or email Jen Booker, Adult social care worker for the Deaf Community, for details. 

07350418152 Jennifer.Booker@n-somerset.gov.uk 

Hard of hearing group 

First Monday of the month, 2-4pm 

The Conservative Club, 24-26 Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QX 

This popular social group is mainly used by older people who have lost their hearing later in life. It features regular speakers and is supported by Weston Audiology and Vision North Somerset. 

For further details contact Weston Audiology Tel 01934 636363. 

Deaf church and social group 

Second Sunday of the month, 3pm 

Emmanuel Church, Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1TN 

This Church of England service is held in both BSL and English. A social tea afterwards starts at about 4.30pm and everyone is welcome. 

Accessing our services if you are Deaf or hard of hearing

At Citizens Advice North Somerset we want to make sure our service is accessible to everyone. 
 
If you are Deaf or hard of hearing:
– We can book a BSL interpreter/Lip speaker or note taker for you.
– We will give you the time you need.
– Our Advisers are Deaf aware
 
National Citizens Advice also provide a BSL service to help with Universal Credit Applications.
 
 

Do’s and don’ts for communicating with Deaf people

1. Face the person when speaking to aid Lip Reading

2. Speak clearly

3. Be aware of where your hands are

4. Write instructions down if necessary

5. Try to avoid background noise

6. Avoid wandering around the room when speaking

7. Avoid standing with your back to the light

8. Don’t patronise!

9. Ensure they feel included not excluded!

10. Remember: Try to sign if they do – even if you get it wrong