We are a registered charity based in Nottingham. Formed in 1890 by a group of philanthropic church and community leaders we have a vision of a society in which all deaf people can fully participate. Today NDS serves many deaf people across the county and region with a range of services including BSL interpreting, welfare rights advice and by supporting deaf community groups.
All our in-house interpreters, lipspeakers and the freelance interpreters we use, are highly trained and are officially registered.
We rely on our volunteers to be able to provide all of our services, we couldn’t operate without them generously giving their time, skills and expertise.
Want to learn British Sign Language? NDS offers three levels of nationally recognised qualifications – new BSL Level 1 courses starting in March 2019!
The Welfare Rights Service helps Deaf and hard of hearing people access welfare benefits and services in their preferred language, whether that’s British Sign Language or English.
Access to Work (AtW) is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help disabled people start or stay in work.
This factsheet gives individuals an overview of Access to Work.
The 50+ group are self run and have their own committee who arrange activities, day trips and a holiday each year.
Nottinghamshire Deaf Society (NDS), is a registered charity based in Forest Road West, it was formed in 1890 by a group of philanthropic church and community leaders who had a vision for a society in which all deaf people can fully participate.
The success of the charity today is built on the wonderful history and rich culture of the deaf community. We have an enviable reputation for providing community outreach for 400 Deaf service users from their centre on Forest Road West.
We give deaf people access to a range of tailored information and support services such as welfare benefits advice, training, luncheon clubs and befriending schemes. With a team of British Sign Language Interpreters on hand to provide vital support in times of crisis and need, NDS really is a bridge between a hearing and a deaf world.
What makes us different?
Our Vision?
We have a vision for a society in which all deaf people can fully participate…
Our Mission?
Our mission is to improve the social inclusion and well-being of deaf people across the East Midlands…
Our Values?
Our Values underpin all we do and how we behave as an organisation and as individuals…
Nottinghamshire Deaf Society will be holding a Celebration event and Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5th December 2018 at 6.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend this event where we will be sharing stories of successes and achievements from the last year. The members of NDS will also hold their AGM and all are invited to participate in this part of the evening.
Starting on Tuesday 2nd October we are pleased to announce a new session for deaf/hard of hearing young people 11-18 years at NGY myplace, Castle Gate, Nottingham.
When? Every Tuesday – 5-8pm
Where? NGY myplace, 29-13 Castlegate, Nottingham, NG1 7AR
Who? Any deaf young people 11-18 years in Nottingham city or county
How much? FREE of charge
What? Weekly sessions with options for a range of activities: Cafe, games, arts, life skills, workshops. Young people involved in deciding what to do. FREE WIFI
NDS used to offer a regular activity for deaf young people but due to funding cuts the service was closed. We are aware of the need for social activities for young deaf people to meet one another and make friends. This new initiative will be work with young people to establish the activities they would like to do and develop it in the future according to their needs and wishes. We are excited by this prospect and look forward to sharing stories about this project.
Sessions are run by trained youth workers and supported by deaf and hearing volunteers from NDS. This activity is provided by Base 51/NGY in partnership with NDS.
Find out what everyone is saying about us.
We really appreciated that you were able to provide Halal meat with vegan options.
Lip-reading classes have helped me to understand how to deal with problems…it is useful socially as we all have the same problems
Thanks for coming to my home to help me fill in my son’s DLA form. I couldn’t have done them without your help.Hard of Hearing Client
It is imperative for us to have access to an Interpreting service and we find the one provided by NSLIS to be extremely reliable and accommodating. The Interpreters we receive are all very professional and friendly with both the individual employee and the section as a whole. Without this service we would not be able to include our employee in many of the section meetings and personal training sessions. Booking the service is straightforward and reliable, to date we have not encountered any late cancellations or problems. Thank you for the service you provide, it is very much appreciatedSenior Assistant Accountant, Gedling Borough Council
I found the whole course very interesting and enlightening. I feel more aware of what I need to do to communicate and what to remember a deaf/hard of hearing person may be experiencing.NHCT Staff Member Feb 2014
Somewhere for me to go, meet friend, enjoy myself.Deaf Older Persons Service User
Everyone really enjoyed the course and the presentation of it, thank you very much.Nottinghamshire Police May 2014
I’ve been using this centre for decades, I have learnt so much from those I have met here, it has shaped my life and helped me achieve fulfilment. I want to carry this on, supporting and helping other deaf people, encouraging them that they too can be a success and feel fulfilled.Christine Townsend
I find the team very flexible to my needs. Interpreters are always professional and confidential during jobs. Interpreters are always on time and well prepared in order to do an effective job! The booking team always try to match the appropriate interpreter with the client.Deaf Professional
NDS gives me confidence to socialise and make new friends, be informed about hearing loss and equipment available.
Being able to meet others and also find out information on the illness I have.Deaf Older Persons Service User
Thank you and your team for your support, hard work and commitments to last night’s BSL Charter event.
I really enjoyed today. I found it really fun and interesting.Headway Staff Member July 2014
We have always found that Nottinghamshire Deaf Society provides a very friendly and efficient service to clients who would otherwise find it very difficult to access the advice they need.Advice Group
Thank you so much, very prompt serviceSocial Worker, Nottinghamshire County Council
The staff on the course really enjoyed it and felt that they learnt a lot in a very short space of time.Nottingham Trent University Union June 2014
This has to be the most valuable and eye-opening training I’ve had in a long time. Very well presented.Nottinghamshire Probation Trust Staff Member Feb 2014
“Our charity is a valuable resource to deaf people in Nottinghamshire,
it has an enviable reputation for the work it does. It’s vital for us to let
people know about the work we do here in Nottingham. We want to
promote an inclusive community in which all deaf people can fully
participate.”