Making a difference – that’s what the DSN team does best, and we are proud of the difference we have made to the quality of life of thousands of service users and their families since we were founded in 1976.
Everyone at DSN is driven by the needs of our community to continuously improve what we do, developing innovative ways to deliver better outcomes for the people we serve.
This person-centred approach, focused on improving equality of access, life experiences and opportunities for Deaf people drives everything we do. This commitment defines us, and will continue to inspire us to deliver a better future.
Gwneud gwahaniaeth – dyna beth mae tîm DSN yn ei wneud orau, ac rydym yn falch o’r gwahaniaeth yr ydym wedi’i wneud i ansawdd bywyd miloedd o ddefnyddwyr gwasanaeth a’u teuluoedd ers ein sefydlu yn 1976.
Mae pawb yn DSN wedi’u gyrru gan anghenion ein cymuned i barhau i wella’r hyn a wnawn, gan ddatblygu ffyrdd arloesol o sicrhau gwell canlyniadau i’r bobl yr ydym yn eu gwasanaethu.
Mae’r agwedd person-ganolog yma, sy’n canolbwyntio ar wella mynediad cyfartal, profiadau bywyd a chyfleoedd i bobl Fyddar, yn gyrru popeth a wnawn. Mae’r ymroddiad hwn yn ein diffinio, a bydd yn parhau i’n hysbrydoli i sicrhau gwell dyfodol.
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Team
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work across Cheshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, and are committed to helping people with sensory loss communicate effectively and live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.
Trustees & Governance
DSN’s Trustees are volunteers, and we are proud to say that we have strong representation on our board from the communities we serve. The Board of Trustees ensure that we always put the needs of our users first.
Our History
Back in 1976, Trustees of the Chester and North Wales Society for the Deaf, and of the Warrington and District Society for Deaf People, together made a landmark decision to form the Cheshire Society for the Deaf, now operating as Deafness Support Network (DSN).
The local societies (Deaf Clubs) in Chester, Warrington and Vale Royal retained their independence and continue to thrive to this day, sharing premises with DSN. Each society serves a distinct local community but is strengthened by its partnership with DSN, which is able to innovate and develop, whilst acting as a guide and support for the local organisations.
Our Vision
A world where people with sensory loss can communicate effectively and live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.
The DSN Team
We have an amazing team of more than 70, working across Cheshire, Flintshire & Wrexham to support people with sensory loss. You can find out more about joining our team here.
Bob Birchall
CEO
I am proud to have been the CEO at DSN since 2011, and I am very lucky to work with a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who put the needs of our users and communities at the heart of all our actions.
Gill Reeder
Executive Operations
I began working for the organisation in 1975, qualifying as a Social Worker in 1988. I have a passion for supporting people and working on new initiatives. I enjoy the variety of my day to day work and working alongside a great team of people.
Michelle Simpson
Supported Living Executive
I joined DSN in 2004 but I have worked within the Deaf Community since 1988. When working in a Supported Living environment, every day is different and can change at any moment, but I love making a difference to peoples lives and wellbeing whenever I can. I am particularly proud to work with such a caring, dedicated and highly skilled staff team.
Kirstin McCallum
Management Support Officer
I joined DSN in 2008, and have responsibility for ensuring we attract, retain & develop our strong employee base, providing the necessary skill set & values for us to deliver vital support through a variety of projects & services. I love the challenge each day brings & feel proud to work with a team of people who give so much of themselves to help others.
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Trustees & Governance
DSN’s board of Trustees are people who give their time voluntarily to guide and support the development of the charity.
Our Trustees are responsible for governing DSN and for the policy and strategy of the organisation. Whilst day to day management of DSN is the responsibility of the CEO and senior managers, Trustees set the direction of DSN and ensure proper scrutiny of our actions.
Meeting quarterly, Trustees bring their skills and experience to help shape our future, and ensure we are meeting the needs of the communities we serve and compliant with our stated objectives. A yearly report is submitted to regulatory bodies and is available on request.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be a trustee at such an important and well run charity”.
Ben Colman
Trustee
Dan Birtles
Chair
David Pane
Trustee
Peter Morley
Trustee
Become a Trustee
DSN are always eager to hear from people who want to make a positive difference within our community.
Being a Trustee is a great way of being involved in helping to set our direction and enabling us to deliver the services that people need and are able to trust.
It’s a real opportunity to share your skills and experience, meet new people and take an active role in our on-going development and drive for continuous improvement.