QAVS Award 2022Queen’s Award for Voluntary ServiceAwarded 2022 — the MBE for volunteer groups

“The only place where I don’t have to explain myself.”

— A Leicester Deaf Centre member, Healthwatch Leicester 2024
Leicester Deaf Centre serves the Deaf BSL community across Leicestershire. Deaf-led. Community-rooted. Here since 1884.
7 in 10

Deaf people have never been asked about their communication needs in NHS care.

45%

of BSL users experience a mental health condition — nearly double the general population.

£100m

estimated annual Treasury cost of failing to provide accessible BSL health services.

New

Job Club employment support launching September 2026 — find out how to get referred.

Find out more →
Who we are

We remove barriers. Every single day.

Founded in 1884, Leicester Deaf Centre is a Deaf-led charity dedicated to empowering the Deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind community across Leicestershire.
We provide a safe, welcoming space where BSL is the first language. Our work spans welfare support, health navigation, social inclusion, employment, and advocacy — removing the barriers Deaf people face every day in a hearing world.
Our full story →
What we do

Our services

❤️

Health & Wellbeing

BSL health navigation, mental health support, and advocacy so Deaf people can access NHS services on equal terms.

Learn more →
💼

Employment Support

CV workshops, interview coaching, and our new Job Club to help Deaf people find and keep meaningful work.

Learn more →
👥

Community & Social

Drop-in days, coffee mornings, social events, and activities where the Deaf community connects in BSL.

Learn more →
📚

Advice & Advocacy

Benefits guidance, housing support, and systemic advocacy to ensure Deaf voices are heard where it matters.

Learn more →

“This place has been a lifeline. When I walk through the door, I can just… be.”

— Community member, Leicester Deaf Centre
Events & Activities

What’s On

Drop-ins, social events, workshops, and activities — all accessible in BSL.
Drop-in

Tuesday Drop-in Morning

Every Tuesday • 10am – 12noon

Come along, have a coffee, catch up with friends, and access advice — all in BSL.

Find out more →
Workshop

Health Chats with BSL Interpreters

Monthly • Check calendar for dates

Speak directly with health professionals via a qualified BSL interpreter in a relaxed setting.

Find out more →
New

Job Club — Employment Support

Launching September 2026

CV help, interview prep, and employer introductions — Deaf-friendly and BSL-accessible from day one.

Find out more →
Social

Deaf Café — Monthly Social

Last Friday of the month • 2pm

A relaxed social gathering for the Deaf community. New faces always welcome.

Find out more →
Support

Benefits & Housing Advice Clinic

Fortnightly • By appointment

One-to-one support with benefits claims, housing issues, and form-filling — all in BSL.

Find out more →
Youth

Deaf Youth Group

Weekly during term time • Ages 12–18

A safe social space for Deaf young people to meet peers, play, and develop independence.

Find out more →
140years of communityRead our history →
1884

Founded as Leicester Deaf and Dumb Institution, providing a meeting place for the Deaf community.

1939

Welfare services expand through wartime, supporting Deaf workers in essential industries across Leicestershire.

1975

Moved to Welford Road — a permanent home and hub for the growing Deaf community in the city.

2000s

Registered charity status formalised; health and welfare services diversify to meet modern Deaf needs.

2022

Awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest accolade for volunteer groups in the UK.

Need help? We’re here.

Whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind — or supporting someone who is — our team is ready to help. All services are BSL-accessible.