(LtoR) Russell Brown, MP for Dumfries & Galloway, Gavin Borland, Honorary President Dumfries & Galloway  Society for the Deaf, Sue Mowat, DeafVision Trustee, Andy Irvine, author of the report 'Vision for the Future' and John Denereley, DeafVisionTrustee.

The Launch of DeafVision  was a great success with over 90 people attending the ceremony which was hosted by Russell Brown the MP for Dumfries and Galloway.

The launch is the culmination of two years research, planning and partnership working  between the charity in Cumbria, local deaf organisations and the Local Authority in South West Scotland.

The need for Cumbria Deaf Associations services to be extended into Dumfries and Galloway was initially suggested following a consultative report by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

Chair Norma Wilkinson

The new operating name DeafVision and logo, is in recognition of the need to encompass both sides of the border.

Present on the day were representatives from a wide range of statuary and voluntary organisations from right across the new, extended operating area.

John Brown, Chief Executive of DeafVision said ‘this is a historic moment in the 100 year history of the organisation. I am delighted with the progress that we have been able to make and look forward to developing our new working relationships with partners on both sides of the border to meet the needs of people across the spectrum of deafness’   

The research report ‘a vision for the future’ is available as a download on this site.

A funding bid is currently being developed to appoint a development worker, to be based in Dumfries. This post will drive the drive the implementation of the recommendations made in lottery funded research which was recently completed to identify unmet need. 

Local news item for Border Television click here