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We are working towards a world
where people with sensory loss can communicate effectively and live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.

DSN was founded in 1976 as the Cheshire Deaf Society,
and now provides a wide range of support and services for deaf, deafblind, and people with a Visual Impairment in Cheshire and the surrounding areas.

The services we provide are highlighted on this site, many of them also in BSL, or you can contact us or visit one of our centres.

dsn’s History BSL Video

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.

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 Deaf & Sensory 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 face no barriers and have equality to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives with dignity.

Our team and trustees

dsn’s Team BSL Video

Meet the team

Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work across Cheshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, and are committed to helping people with sensory loss.

Gill Reeder

CEO

Gill brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the position and along with her strong management team, she will now be responsible for leading our organisation. Gill said: “I am honoured to step into this position to continue our mission and strategic direction forward seamlessly.”

“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.”

dsn’s Trustees BSL Video

Meet the trustees

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.

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 Report and Financial Statements 30 March 2022

Dave Fardoe

Chairman

David Pane

Trustee

Peter Morley

Trustee

Tina Lonergan

Trustee

James Mander

Trustee

Jeanette Stringer

Treasurer

Damian Ball

Trustee

Lindsay Holmes

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.

Give something back and make a difference!

Become a Trustee

Awards and Accreditations