Action Deafness and Deaf Direct Merger

Action Deafness and Deaf Direct are delighted to announce a merger will take effect from 1st October 2019.

Watch BSL video of the announcement here.

The merger is an exciting opportunity for both organisations, two successful charities that share similar objectives and values, putting service-users at the heart of everything they do.

Working together to share resources, make cost savings, share knowledge, to offer a wider range of innovative services and create even more positive impacts in the lives of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafened and Deafblind lives throughout in both catchment areas.

Karen Welch and Emma Allen – Joint Chairs of Action Deafness share this statement:

“We are excited to be merging with Deaf Direct and extending the digital and innovative interventions we offer across our existing services and beyond. The combined expertise and knowledge of our staff will enable us to provide a wider range of services and reach out to more Deaf people that need support.

The two charities share many similarities including shared values and history of working together. This merger makes us a stronger organisation and enable us to campaign and address inequality more widely across the Deaf and Disability sector.”

Barry Ross, Deaf Direct Chair of Board of Trustees explains why Action Deafness is the right fit for them:

“Action Deafness are a well-respected Deaf-led organisation in communications interpreting and community support. We’ve enjoyed working in partnership with them for the past ten months.

Merging with Action Deafness will enable us to continue to offer our high quality, innovative services in Worcester, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire and extend the range of support and development available for our staff.”

What will happen to Action Deafness and Deaf Direct?

From 1st October 2019, a new merged organisation will be Action Deafness. Deaf Direct will cease to be an independent charity as of 30th September 2019.

Deaf Direct based services will continue to use the name Deaf Direct locally as it is well known to local Deaf service-users and professionals.

Outside of this specific arrangement in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire, the merged organisation is called Action Deafness.

What will the merger mean for service-users, commissioners and wider stakeholders?

There will be no disruption to any Action Deafness services. Deaf Direct’s existing services and staff will be transferred to the merged organisation.

Action Deafness will take on leases for Deaf Direct’s current service sites ensuring services will continue to run from the same sites.

Both executive leadership teams are doing everything they can to ensure there is as little disruption to service users, commissioners and wider stakeholders as possible.

Finally, Craig Crowley CEO of the merged organisation states:

“We are delighted the merger will be positive for everyone involved, in particular, local Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafened and Deafblind people will continue to get the best possible support.

Staff from both organisations have been understanding and supportive of this approach.

We look forward to, growing, developing and providing quality services within our catchment areas with a sense of renewed optimism, focus and confidence”.

For more information please contact our HR & Communications Manager Charlotte Jefferies via email: charlottejefferies@actiondeafness.org.uk.