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.
DSN’s History BSL Video
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.
DSN’s Team BSL Video
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.
DSN’s Trustees BSL Video
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.
David Horrocks
Chief Executive
David was born profoundly deaf and visually impaired but managed to have an remarkable career in the humanitarian aid sector, managing country programmes in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon and North Korea for a number of charities. His last international assignment was a UN Advisor to the Cambodian government before returning to the UK with his family in 2016 to take up a position at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
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David started his involvement with DSN as a trustee for two years before being appointed as Chief Executive Officer in October 2021.
David has said …
“Growing up as a child with sensory loss and now as an adult, I continue to face real challenges every single day of my life. Sadly, we are still being marginalised and excluded from society. As the new CEO of DSN, I am honoured to lead an organisation that continues to deliver outstanding support and excellence to the sensory loss community. The team at DSN is exceptional in its professionalism, passion and drive to ensure all those living with a sensory loss, both young and old, gain the dignity and independence that everyone rightfully deserves.”
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. My role as Executive of Operations is to manage the providers services for people living with a sensory loss.
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.
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 to download here Annual Accounts & Trustee Report 19_20 .
Natalie Doyle
Trustee
David Pane
Trustee
Peter Morley
Trustee
Janet Huntington
Trustee
Rhys Edwards
Trustee
Ryan Gould
Trustee
Become a Trustee
We are looking for amazing people!
Can you give up some of your time to help our local charity working to support D/deaf and other sensory loss needs? We are urgently seeking new board members, to oversee governance and provide strategic leadership at an exciting time of change and growth.
Empathy towards sensory loss would be an advantage, but not essential. Passion and commitment are far more attractive to us. We are particularly keen to hear from people with a strong Finance, Legal or Health & Social care background. If you want to make a difference locally, contact us and try volunteering.
This is an unremunerated role, but reasonable travel expenses are met. To arrange an informal chat about the role call DSN on 0333 220 5050 or contact us on the email address below.
