British Deaf Association N. Ireland

04/09/2026

Exciting news for BDA Youth! 🤩

Our new BDA Youth Ambassador, Danny, is taking on a BIG challenge and fundraising to help create more opportunities for Deaf young people. 🪂

👉 Show your support for Danny and BDA Youth: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/nextgendeaf

Please share this post and help us spread the word! 💙

24/08/2026

BSL Tour & Arts Workshop – Newtownards

BDA are delighted to share this upcoming event for the Deaf community in Newtownards Priory on Thursday 10th September.

Come along for a BSL tour of Newtownards Priory, exploring its history and stories, followed by a relaxed and inclusive creative arts workshop at Ards Arts Centre.

BSL access throughout
All art materials provided
Everyone welcome

Please see the poster below for full details. You can also email Emma Magee to reserve your space for the tour and art workshop - [email protected]

Please share with anyone who may be interested!

19/08/2026

17/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome the Irish Deaf Society to the British Deaf Association in London on Friday for a positive discussion about our shared goals, priorities and opportunities for future collaboration.

IDS CEO John Sherwin and Advocacy Manager Elaine Grehan met with the BDA team at St John’s Community Centre, including Rebecca Mansell MCIOF, CEO, and Tom Lichy, Head of Research and Policy.

It was a great opportunity to learn from each other and discuss how our organisations can continue working together to support Deaf communities across Ireland and the UK.

A big thank you to John, Elaine and the Irish Deaf Society for visiting us. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together.

13/08/2026

We're delighted to share details of our Dementia and the Deaf Community Workshop.

BSL/ISL translation information will be provided soon.

13/08/2026

What’s your one word to represent your dream ?!

30/07/2026

🌍 New to Northern Ireland? Are you Deaf? 👋

Starting life in a new country can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Join our FREE 10-week course designed especially for Deaf newcomers.

What you'll learn:
🤝 Everyday communication skills
👋 Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL)

Build your community:
👥 Meet other Deaf newcomers
💙 Connect with the local Deaf community

📍 Where: NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB

📅 When: Monday, 7 September 2026
🕙 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

👉Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zYT7sDMvmP

📧 Need more information?
Contact [email protected]

Your journey starts here – connect, learn, and thrive in your community.

29/07/2026

!New course announcement!
We are soon delivering a course for individuals who are deafened.

This course will start 7th September 2026 in Belfast.

Are you a deafened adult who would like to learn new skills like Sign Language, lipreading or communication strategies?

Or perhaps you would like to meet other deafened adults and share your experiences by meeting others for social events and workshops?

If you answered, YES! then please register using the QR code in the information poster or by using the link https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zYT7sDMvmP

29/07/2026

Another successful coffee morning held in Knotts Bakery, Newtownards, providing a welcoming Deaf space where people came together to connect, share experiences and learn from one another.

Alongside valuable conversations about BDA services, including what’s working well and what more could be done, we received positive feedback about the coffee mornings themselves. Many highlighted how important these gatherings are for building connections, reducing isolation and creating a supportive Deaf community.

It was also lovely to welcome a Sign Language student who popped in to say hello and practise a few signs along the way, adding to the warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their views.

27/07/2026

A lovely Coffee Morning Session in Lurgan - Friday 24th July 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our BDA Coffee Morning at Alana’s Café in Lurgan.

We enjoyed a relaxing catch-up over tea and coffee, starting with general chats before sharing ideas and suggestions with BDA staff about how we can continue to strengthen and improve support for the local Deaf community.

It was a fantastic session in a beautiful, welcoming café, filled with laughter, great humour and good conversation.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and made the morning so enjoyable, positive and worthwhile. We really appreciate your time, ideas and support.