About Us
Originally set up as Warrington Deaf and Dumb Society in 1885 as a branch of Liverpool Benevolent Deaf and Dumb Society. We then became independent in 1912 and set up the very first “meeting rooms” at 10 Legh Street, Warrington.
In 1921, we appointed our first paid employee, David Fyfe, a Deaf man from Kilmarnock, Scotland. David Fyfe worked tirelessly to raise funds to support the community work he did.
This work involved:
- Visiting the sick
- Helping Deaf people to find work
- Acting as the Preacher for regular Sunday services amongst the town.
- Acting as an advocate for Deaf people and their families
David Fyfe was then responsible for the purchase of 13 Wilson Patten Street in 1929. David used to live on the top floor of the property with his wife. Fyfe retired in 1951, after 30 years of service to the Deaf community.
The expansion of Warrington Deaf Society
Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Warrington Deaf Society became a branch of
Cheshire Deaf Society following the acquisition of 11 Wilson Patten Street. Warrington Deaf Society then obtained a Lottery Grant which allowed us to rebuild part of 11 Wilson Patten Street as a Community Centre.
This rebuild and Grant allowed us to merge the two sides of the building together and create an expansion which is the building we see today. The newly refurbished building was opened on 14th September 2004, following two years of hard work.
The building was opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex along with Fred Barlow (then Chairman of Warrington Deaf Society).
How we know Warrington Deaf Centre now
Now, named Warrington & District Society for Deaf People, we pride ourselves on the Centre thriving to support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Warrington and it’s surrounding areas, in connection with many partners across the town.
Mission
WDSDP is dedicated to maintaining services that are demonstrably effective in creating meaningful change in the lives of Deaf people.
We aim to identify and address gaps in provision and explore innovative approaches to enhance our services, informed by our close work with and within Deaf communities.
To remain solvent and effective, Warrington Deaf Centre must attract and generate sufficient income.
Our mission to involve and support Deaf people in finding solutions includes the critical task of raising and applying for funds to sustain project delivery and our organisational framework, encompassing staff, premises, utilities, materials and equipment.
To achieve it’s vision, WDSDP will:
Provide Spaces
Offering welcoming environments where Deaf people can socialise, learn and connect with others
Create Opportunities
Facilitate employment and training opportunities tailored to the needs and strengths of Deaf individuals.
Develop Projects
Design, secure funding for, and implement projects that deliver tangible benefits and positive outcomes for Deaf People.
Influence Policy
Advocate for and influence national and local public policy, and actively participate in research and commissioning efforts.
Collaborate
Forge strong partnerships with other organisations to enhance the support and services available to Deaf people.
Personal Assistant Services
Offer dedicated personal assistant services to support Deaf individuals in their daily lives, ensuring they have the assistance needed to navigate various aspects of life with confidence.
WDSDP’s mission, therefore, is to:
Establish a dynamic and well-resourced centre that acts as a cornerstone for initiatives and activities.
This centre will empower Deaf individuals to lead joyful and fulfilling lives, fostering their ability to thrive and celebrate their achievements within their families and communities.
Vision
A vision is a view of the world once the Charity has been effective, i.e, done it’s job. The vision focuses on the difference made for the beneficiaries of the charity, in this case, Deaf people in and around Warrington.
Warrington Deaf Centre is a thriving and vibrant resource for the Deaf community, where Deaf people are fully included and able to contribute to and access communities and services with confidence.
WDSDP’s vision encapsulates the outcomes for Deaf people and drives the actions and purpose of the charity.
Values
WDSDP is a Deaf-led organisation driven by the needs of deaf individuals, while also celebrating and promoting contributions made by Deaf people to communities and cultures across all fields.
The Centre is dedicated to ensuring that it’s services provision and growth as a charity are underpinned by key values, and it commits to evaluating all aspects of organisational and service development against it’s values.
Inclusivity and Respect
Inclusivity: Ensuring that all services are accessible and designed with the Deaf community in mind, fostering equality in communication and participation, so that no one feels left our or marginalised.
Respect: Valuing the Deaf community’s culture, BSL and individuality, promoting dignity and mutual understanding, and recognising the unique perspectives and contributions of each person.
Empowerment and Collaboration
Empowerment: Encouraging Deaf individuals to take control of their lives by providing the tools, resources, and support to build confidence and independence, enabling them to make informed decisions and pursue their goals.
Collaboration: Collaborating closely with the Deaf community and other stakeholders to create solutions that truly meet their needs, fostering partnerships that are built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals.
Innovation and Excellence
Innovation: Continuously seeking innovative approaches to improve accessibility, communication, and services for Deaf people through technology and advocacy, always striving to stay ahead of the curve and implement the best workable solutions.
Excellence: As we march into the future with an array of planned and executed changes and innovations. WDSDP is aware of the challenges ahead. We believe that by sticking to our values, working towards our vision, and achieving our outcomes for Deaf people, we are becoming a Centre of excellence.
Compassion and Approachability
Compassion: Providing care and support with empathy, always understanding the unique challenges faced by Deaf individuals, and ensuring that everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.
Approachability: Ensuring that all Deaf individuals feel welcomes and values, never turning anyone away, and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help and support.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality: Treating every interaction with beneficiaries in confidence, fostering trust and ensuring that personal information is always managed with the utmost care and respect.
Charitable Objectives
To relieve the needs of Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind individuals residing in Warrington and the surrounding areas by providing information, advice, education and facilities. These services aim to enhance social welfare and offer leisure-time activities, improving the quality of life for these individuals.