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The Deaf and Deafblind community

For Deaf and Deafblind people who communicate in British Sign Language (BSL), we offer a range of fully accessible services all in BSL, including:

  • One-to-one practical and emotional support
  • Information, advice and guidance
  • Social, cultural and educational talks, activities and outings
  • A purpose-built community centre
  • A warm welcome for all.

Services for the deaf and deafblind community

One-to-one support

JDA’s team of skilled Support Workers, all fluent in BSL, provide personalised emotional and practical support to empower you to overcome any challenges you face, live life as you wish and remain as independent as possible.

We support people at JDA’s Deaf-friendly community centre, in clients’ own homes, in hospitals and hospices, in care homes and out in the community – wherever we’re needed.

How we can help:

General/ daily life

  • Access to clear information
  • Advice and support
  • Communication and interpreting
  • Advocacy
  • Transport
  • Befriending
  • Accompaniment to official appointments e.g. banking, council etc

Medical

  • Accompaniment/interpreting at medical appointments, tests and procedures
  • Liaising with medical professionals, ensuring effective communication/mutual understanding to enable clients to remain in the best possible health
  • Support for hospital in-patients
  • Arranging safe discharge from hospital and home care packages

For vulnerable Deaf/Deafblind people whose needs become more complex due to ageing, frailty, illness and/or dementia.

We help with:

  • Personal care – arranging and managing professional, signing carers for you
  • Power of Attorney/Wills
  • Moving home/transition to supported living or residential care
  • End of life care
  • Arranging funerals, tombstones and consecrations

Wednesday Club offers a year-round, weekly programme designed especially for older Deaf and Deafblind BSL users. Participants enjoy fun and stimulating games, activities, guest speakers, fitness activities, helpful health and information talks, a three-course hot lunch and afternoon tea, and outings to places of interest.

Transport is available for local residents, including those in wheelchairs or needing personal care. Check our Events page for upcoming dates.

If you have a problem, at Wednesday Club you can get help with quick, simple tasks.

This may include form filling, understanding official letters, making a phone call or online shopping.

No need to pre-book.

Just bring your paperwork, and our friendly team will help you.

If you need more time for help with more complex issues, please arrange a longer appointment with a support worker.

Tuesdays at JDA

No appointment needed – just come along and you’ll be seen by our expert staff on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you need a lot of time for help with complex issues, we will arrange a longer appointment with a support worker on a different day.

Who is it for?

  • Deaf and Deafblind British Sign Language (BSL) users
  • Living in the borough of Barnet or a local borough with no Deaf services
  • All faiths or none
  • Age 18+

When?

  • Day:    Tuesdays
  • Time:  10 am – 1 pm
                2 pm – 4 pm (last appointment)

What is Deaf Support Drop-In?

Information, guidance and support with:

  • Benefits
  • Form filling
  • Translation – clear information in BSL to understand letters and keep on top of paperwork
  • Telephone calls
  • Housing issues – including landlord problems, rent arrears, council housing
  • Scams and fraud
  • Dealing with domestic issues and utilities companies
  • Booking interpreters for medical appointments
  • Referrals to Adult Social Care or other organisations for assessments and help
  • Personal budgets for health and social care
  • Bills, debts and budgeting

For vulnerable Deaf/Deafblind people whose needs become more complex due to ageing, frailty, illness and/or dementia.

We help with:

  • Personal care – arranging and managing professional, signing carers for you
  • Power of Attorney/Wills
  • Moving home/transition to supported living or residential care
  • End of life care
  • Arranging funerals, tombstones and consecrations

Our friendly team can help you navigate all aspects of daily life, so you never have to cope alone.

Appointments can be booked from Monday to Thursday, between 9:30am and 5pm.

New enquiries, contact Janine – 07511 822 606 (videochat/SMS) or email janine@jdeaf.org.uk

Dcafe is JDA’s Deaf led café run by Deaf volunteers for Deaf people.

Every Tuesday at Dcafe in JDA’s community centre, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious lunches including homemade soups, jacket potatoes, pasta bakes, tea, coffee and cakes, and special themed menus. 

All Deaf BSL users are warmly welcomed.

We are always looking for volunteers to help run the café.  If you’re Deaf and interested in learning new skills, improving your CV, meeting new people and supporting your community, please contact ann@jdeaf.org.uk – full training is provided and expenses are covered.

Every Tuesday, Deaf people can pop in, have lunch, socialise and take part in captivating afternoon activities.  From lively discussions about world news and topical subjects, to fascinating guest speakers, useful health and wellbeing information, sharing stories and fun games … there’s always something interesting on the programme.

Tuesdays at JDA are to enable Deaf people, from Barnet and beyond, to come together as a community and enjoy engaging with each other.  Our aim is to ensure Deaf people have a permanent place to go, where they can relax and be themselves, be actively involved, and feel they belong and are valued.

With simple hot food, freshly made by our Deaf volunteer chefs, activities and our Information and Advice drop-in for expert help and support, Tuesdays are the one-stop shop for the Deaf community.

Dcafe Tuesdays are open to independent Deaf people of all ages and backgrounds – everybody is welcome. Come along and check out the warmth of Dcafe!

To find out more, contact Brinthan – brinthan@jdeaf.org.uk

Once a month, we visit Jami’s Head Room Café in Golders Green, where you can enjoy a delicious kosher lunch and arts and crafts activities with Caroline Janner. Everyone is welcome to join us for a fun social outing. Check our Events page for details and dates.

Contact Jodie Walters on 020 8446 0502 or email jodie@jdeaf.org.uk

Our computer training is open to all Deaf and Deafblind people. We offer monthly group sessions via Zoom or at JDA, covering topics like internet use, email, smartphones, and software including Photoshop and Microsoft Office. The classes provide an opportunity to learn new skills, ask questions, and connect with others. Check our Events page for upcoming dates.

Contact Ann Clements at ann@jdeaf.org.uk