Shared language, culture and lived experience build trust and allow people to communicate openly without the frustration often found in hearing-led services.
Deaf-led support in South Yorkshire
Support designed by Deaf people, for Deaf people.
Personalised support, advocacy and community services in British Sign Language.
BSL-first communityDeaf people connecting, communicating and belonging
Welcome to Deafinitions
Understanding that comes from lived experience
Deafinitions is a Deaf-led charity dedicated to supporting Deaf people through personalised support, advocacy and community services.
Deaf people too often face barriers when accessing services, communicating with professionals or navigating everyday life. Services not designed for BSL users can leave people feeling isolated or unsupported.
Our team is largely made up of Deaf professionals who share the language, culture and lived experiences of the community we serve. This allows us to provide support that is accessible, understanding and empowering.
We work alongside Deaf people to remove barriers, strengthen wellbeing and create opportunities for greater independence and connection.
Why Deafinitions
Built around understanding, accessibility and community
Deaf people deserve services that respect their language, culture, choices and individual needs.
BSL is at the centre of our work so people can communicate naturally, understand their support and express themselves clearly.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We take time to understand each person’s circumstances, preferences, goals and aspirations.
Our work is shaped by listening to Deaf people and responding to what the community truly wants and needs.
How we can support you
Flexible support that fits your life
We help Deaf individuals live safely, confidently and independently. Support is tailored to each person’s needs, preferences and goals.
Personal Assistant support
Flexible Deaf-led help with everyday life, appointments, communication, social outings and navigating services.
Social and community support
Support to shop, attend events, visit places of interest, socialise, build friendships and reduce isolation.
Home support
Help with meal preparation, household tasks, laundry and daily activities while building confidence and life skills.
Advocacy and communication
Help attending appointments, understanding letters, communicating with professionals and making sure your voice is heard.
Transport support
Assistance with agreed transport arrangements for appointments, outings and community activities.
Our services focus on practical support, wellbeing, confidence and independence. Every person’s needs are different, so we create support that fits their life.
Personal Assistant support
Independence, choice and support you can trust
Our Deaf-led PA service helps people manage daily life while remaining in control of their choices and routines.
Ask about PA supportA Deaf-led approach
Clients work with people who understand Deaf culture, BSL communication and the barriers Deaf individuals face. This shared experience creates trust and support that is practical, respectful and empowering.
Person-centred support plans
We work closely with each client to develop a personalised plan reflecting their needs, routines, preferences and goals. Our role is not to take over decisions, but to help each person remain in control.
- Attending appointments
- Communication support and understanding information
- Shopping and community activities
- Everyday tasks at home
- Social outings and companionship
- Navigating services
Safeguarding and comfort
Wherever possible, female Personal Assistants support female clients and male Personal Assistants support male clients. This promotes dignity, safeguarding and a respectful environment where clients feel safe and comfortable.
Supporting independence
Support may include learning life skills, exploring volunteering, building confidence in social situations or simply having reliable help that makes daily life feel safe and settled.
A service built on trust
The relationship between a Personal Assistant and client is at the heart of our service. We aim for every person to feel understood, respected and confident that their needs are being met.
Community Hub — coming in 2026
A place to connect, communicate and belong
Our planned Community Hub will be a welcoming social space where BSL is the natural language. Deaf people will be able to relax, share experiences, make friends and access support.
- Social gatherings and conversation
- Pool and games
- Workshops chosen by the Deaf community
- Advocacy and communication support
- Computers and digital support
- Opportunities to connect with others and reduce isolation
Activities will be guided by community feedback so the space reflects what Deaf people genuinely want and need.
Referrals & professional partnerships
Reliable, culturally informed support
We work with local authorities, social workers, healthcare professionals, families and community organisations to provide accessible support aligned with safeguarding and professional care planning.
Who can refer?
- Local authority social workers
- Care coordinators
- NHS professionals
- Support organisations and charities
- Family members acting on behalf of Deaf individuals
- Self-referrals from Deaf individuals
Support available
We review each referral, discuss the individual’s circumstances and agree how our service can help.
- Personal Assistant services
- Advocacy and communication support
- Support attending appointments
- Assistance with daily activities
- Community engagement and social support
Why professionals work with us
- A Deaf-led organisation with lived experience
- British Sign Language accessible communication
- Person-centred care planning
- Strong safeguarding practices
- Experience supporting Deaf individuals with diverse needs
- Community-focused support that reduces isolation
Make a referral
Contact our team to discuss whether our service is suitable. We welcome professional referrals, family enquiries and self-referrals.
4,500+Deaf people supported through our Safe and Sound advocacy service between 2018 and 2023
Impact & community reach
Support in BSL changes lives
Our in-person and online services help Deaf people understand important information, make informed decisions, reduce barriers and build confidence.
- Accessing healthcare appointments
- Understanding official correspondence
- Navigating housing and social care services
- Building confidence when communicating with professionals
- Reducing isolation through community connection
Strengthening community
Our work creates opportunities for Deaf people to connect, share experiences and build lasting friendships. Volunteers help deliver projects and grow our community reach.
Empowering independence
Some people who first receive support later volunteer, move towards employment or become more involved in community life.
Our commitment
We listen to the community and build services around real needs. When Deaf people receive support in their own language, confidence and independence can grow.
Future vision
A fully Deaf-led support network across the UK
We aim to strengthen Deaf-led support, improve accessibility and create more opportunities for Deaf people.
National Deaf advocacy service
Our long-term goal is a UK-wide service where Deaf people can connect directly with Deaf advocates through BSL video communication. This would provide guidance and advocacy from the beginning, reduce anxiety and help ensure each person’s voice is heard.
BSL translation and accessible content
Following the British Sign Language Act, organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of information in BSL. We aim to help organisations, charities and businesses provide website translations, accessible video resources and information presented by Deaf BSL presenters. Deaf involvement will help ensure content is culturally appropriate and genuinely accessible.
Interpreter training and standards
We want Deaf professionals to help train and assess interpreters working in complex medical, legal and financial settings, where accuracy and cultural understanding are essential.
Expanded Personal Assistant support
We plan to train more Personal Assistants and reach more Deaf individuals who currently struggle to access support from professionals who understand their language, experiences and needs.
By expanding our services, developing new initiatives and continuing to listen to the Deaf community, we hope to remove barriers and create meaningful change across the UK.
Our team & governance
Deaf-led, trained and accountable
Our staff combine lived experience, community understanding and professional expertise. Trustees provide oversight so the charity operates responsibly and in the community’s best interests.
Leadership and management
The Managing Director oversees strategy, partnerships and service standards. Managers oversee day-to-day delivery, support staff, monitor sessions and help ensure accurate reporting.
- Managing Director
- Assistant Director
- Male Manager
- Female Manager
- Supervisors
- Personal Assistants
Gender-based support structure
Wherever possible, female managers and Personal Assistants support female clients, while male managers and Personal Assistants support male clients. This promotes comfort, safeguarding and clear communication.
Staff safety and training
Many staff are native BSL users. Staff working with clients have Enhanced DBS checks and receive appropriate training, with Deaf trainers involved wherever possible.
- First Aid
- Health and Safety
- Safeguarding adults and children
Additional workshops help staff respond to the diverse needs of clients.
Volunteers
Volunteers build valuable skills, grow in confidence and strengthen the Deaf community. Their contribution helps expand our services and supports Deafinitions as a community-focused organisation.
Governance and accountability
Our trustees provide oversight and guidance so Deafinitions operates responsibly, ethically and in line with its mission.
Registered charity number: 1144504
View Deafinitions trustees on the Charity CommissionBSL access
Information in your language
We are preparing page-by-page BSL videos so visitors can choose English or watch the same information in British Sign Language.
BSL video libraryComing as videos are recorded
Contact Deafinitions
Let’s talk about the right support
Contact us about support, referrals, professional partnerships, volunteering, the Community Hub or accessible BSL content. We will reply in an accessible way.
Email info@deafinitions.orgOffice: 01709 912677
Based in South Yorkshire
Supporting Deaf people locally and nationally