Thank you for visiting our website
The DeeSigns Foundation
A Charity for the Deaf Community
Registered Charity Number : 1206856
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Meet Our Team
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Dee Willis Darryl Wheatley Helen Lehrle Michelle Ferns
(Chair/Trustee) (Financial Signatory/Trustee) (Clinical Supervisor/Trustee) (Line Manager/Trustee)
MBACP, MNCPS, Dip.Couns Promotions Assistant MNCPS (Acc.), Adv.Dep.Psych.Couns MBACP, Dip.Couns
Psychodynamic, Person Centred, & Deaf Awareness CBT Therapist and Trainer, Psychodynamic, Person Centred
TA and CBT Integrative Coordinator Psychotherapeutic and Integrative TA and CBT Integrative Counsellor Counsellor Counsellor
British Sign Language NVQ 6
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Our Mission
At The DeeSigns Foundation, our mission is to improve the mental health and well-being of the Deaf community. We feel that the situation of there being a 'third person in the room' can add more anxiety, so having to be in that situation is, in our opinion, inappropriate - it's hard enough starting counselling on a one to one basis, but with another person present, who you quite possibly know from within a different setting, is potentially causing more harm. Although having the knowledge that their sessions are confidential, many people tend to hold back on some issues as they are not comfortable with the interpreter knowing potentially sensitive and intimate details. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality one to one mental health care, regardless of their ability to pay, that's why we offer our services at low to no cost, so that everyone who needs our help can receive it. Our goal is to create a world where Deaf individuals can live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives by creating equal access to vital services.
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All our Counsellors/Therapists are fully qualified. At DeeSigns, we offer a safe place for you to talk and be listened to, without judgement or criticism. Therapy can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thoughts, finding your own solutions. Whether you require one to one or couples sessions, whatever you needs are, we will certainly be able to match them.
If you would like to be added to our waiting list please email us at deesignsbslfoundation@gmail.com and you will be offered a free, no obligation assessment.
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You may feel it, but you are not alone. We are here to listen so please reach out to us.
Our Previous & Upcoming Events
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Sundon Park Social Club - Stall Day 2024
Saturday 15th June 12pm-5pm
Great day set up by Luton Deaf Community. A wide range of stalls to explore, services for the Deaf, Jewelry, Fragrances, Home décor and so much more. Lovely to meet up with so many familiar faces and to meet some new people.
Access Bedford, Milton Keyenes 2024
(venue tbc)
Saturday 12th October from 11.30am
We're delighted to have been invited by Access Bedford to come and meet their local Deaf community, introduce them to our charity and have a short mindfulness workshop.
Heathlands School Summer Fete 2024
Saturday 13th July 12pm-4pm
Lovely day at St Albans School for Deaf Children. Lots of stalls, BBQ food, face-painting and other activities for the children. Nice to catch up with so many local friends and of course, lovely to meet and chat with some new people.
Videos - News, announcements, sharing
(volume up for voiceover if needed)
March 2024
Announcement that our charity, The DeeSigns Foundation, has finallly been accepted and recognised by the Charities Commission so we will be able to offer our services within weeks!
Scan the QR codes on our website to find out more information and to keep up to date with what's going on.
April 2024
Incredible News!!!!! An amazing friend, who wants to stay anonymous, said he would be donating £10,000 to our charity and then changed this to £15,000! We are absolutely shocked with this news. Saying Thank You just doesn't cover it. What an amazing, generous and kind man, donating so much money in aid of supporting our Deaf Community all over the UK - News we were just not expecting! This means there is now no waiting list whilst we wait for funding applications to be approved. Just WOW!!
July 2024
Following an invite to the Counselling Tutors FaceBook group, posted to let all tutors know about the struggles and barriers of future counselling students our Deaf community. CPCAB have agreed to add us to their 'Placements Available' handouts to ensure any Deaf students are awar of what we are offering for support.
Too many charities are turning down Deaf students for placement usually when they find out the costs of booking interpreters. It's wrong but sadly happens far too often.
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October 2024
The DeeSigns Foundation has been accepted as one of the charities to benefit from Deaf Lottery!
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If you would like to play and support us (it's just £1 per line), please click on the link below.
Thank you for your support​
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https://www.deaflotteryuk.co.uk/support/the-deesigns-foundation​
January 2025
Starting the new year with a reminder of what we over and how to apply for sessions.
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April 2024
Some good news for current and future Deaf students wanting to achieve their Diploma in Counselling!
I've had a meeting with the CPCAB about the barriers our Deaf community face when they reach level 4 of their diploma. CPCAB had no idea of this and they are very interested in helping breakdown the barriers; adding our charity as a placement opportunity in their 2024 information and more information for Deaf students. I've also been asked to take part in a panel meeting - there will be an update on here once it's happened.
So, any of our Deaf community out there thinking about becoming counsellors, barriers will no longer be an issue!
December 2024
Just an update of how 2024 has gone, attending Deaf events as stall holders, Deaf lottery acceptance and a reminder that we still have funding available.
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Also, a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us, sharing our posts, sharing our videos and of course, coming to have a chat at events! Have met so many lovely people.
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THANKS AGAIN AND CONTINUE TO SHARE POSTS AND SPREAD OUR NEWS!
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FOLLOW US
Thank you for your support!
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CONTACT US
The DeeSigns Foundation
PO Box 2658
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 1NN
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Email: deesignsbslfoundation@gmail.com
Text: 07852 825790
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Important Note: We do not work with anyone
involved in any personal injury claim
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OPENING HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9am - 6pm
CLOSED
Saturdays, Sundays and
Bank Holidays
PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE NOT
A 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE
There is absolutely no pressure for anyone to donate but, if you would like to make a contribution to the charity, please find our account details below.
Many Thanks from the Team
