A warm welcome to The Sussex Deaf Association on the web. There are approximately 70,000 people in Britain whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language. BSL is a rich natural language of movement, expression and space with its own linguistic grammar.

The Sussex Deaf Association was known as the Chichester Church Mission to the Deaf and Dumb to provide spiritual and social welfare for deaf people in Sussex and was founded in1912. In 1934 the Mission became The Sussex Diocesan Association for the Deaf and Dumb and an ordained priest with experience of working with Deaf people was appointed. Later on the word ‘Dumb’ was removed from the title. When the laws changed the Association became registered as a charity in 1969. The headquarters and offices are based in Carlton Hill, Brighton. We also have a community services office, with a chapel in Hastings and an office in Worthing. Facilities are provided for social activities and include:

Darby & Joan Clubs
Social Clubs
Youth Activities Group
 

The Association is concerned with the welfare and needs of deaf people in Sussex so there are church services which are conducted in Sign Language and Speech. Services are held at churches in Brighton, Worthing, Crawley and Burgess Hill to name a few! (please get in contact with the Deaf Centre if you would like further information).

Within the Deaf Association throughout Sussex are friendly members of staff who are always happy to help. Amongst the staff are several local volunteers, who kindly give up their time to help in the office, visit clients and assist with Clubs. The Sports and Social Clubs are managed by Deaf members and cover a wide range of interests. Reciprocal visits are made to other Deaf Clubs in the country. Members also belong to national sports leagues. In order to help fund the work, the Association makes two annual appeals. One is the Ephphatha Appeal, which goes to all the parishes in the diocese. A Christmas appeal is also sent out to our regular subscribers and other interested parties.

An Executive Committee manages the Association. The members include representatives from the Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility, Social Care & Health, a School for deaf children and Deaf Club members from various areas of Sussex.

BECOME A MEMBER OF SUSSEX DEAF ASSOCIATION

If you are interested in becoming a member of Sussex Deaf Association the membership rate is £6.00 per annum from November to November. As a member you will receive our regular newsletter with information about the Association and relevant current news and discount tickets for some events. If you would like to join please telephone 01273 671899, email info@sussexdeaf.com to request a booking form or alternatively download the booking form on this site and complete and return it with your cheque.

Click here for a Membership Form