Deaf Village and Blackburn with Darwen Youth Zone Strengthen Partnership to Deliver Accessible Youth Group

Deaf Village North West is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Youth Zone, delivering a fully Deaf-accessible youth group for young people across the borough.

Following the success of the first programme, the youth group is returning for a second phase

building on the strong foundations already created and responding to clear demand from local families and young people.

This collaboration ensures that Deaf and hard of hearing young people have equal access to youth provision in a space where communication comes first. With British Sign Language (BSL) embedded into sessions and Deaf-aware support throughout, the group creates a safe, inclusive and empowering environment.

The sessions focus on:

• Confidence building

• Social connection

• Accessible activities and games

• Youth voice and leadership

• Creating a space where Deaf identity is celebrated

  
  

By working together, Deaf Village and Blackburn with Darwen Youth Zone are removing communication barriers and ensuring that no young person is excluded due to accessibility needs.

Donna Morton, Partnerships and Events Manager at Deaf Village North West, said:

“This partnership is about more than just running sessions. It’s about making sure Deaf young people feel seen, understood and included. When youth provision is genuinely accessible, confidence grows, friendships form and young people begin to see what they’re capable of. We’re proud to be working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Youth Zone again to make that happen.”

The second phase of the programme reflects a shared commitment to long-term inclusion, not one off engagement. Both organisations recognise the importance of consistent, accessible youth provision and the positive impact it has on wellbeing, independence and community belonging.

This partnership represents a powerful example of how mainstream youth services and Deaf led organisations can collaborate to create meaningful change across Blackburn with Darwen.

For more information about the youth group and upcoming sessions, please contact Deaf Village North West.