SUPPORTING those affected by deafblindness in Ballymena, Deafblind UK has been announced as the latest beneficiary of The Gallaher Trust after £3,700 was committed to support the charity’s Wellbeing and Emotional Support and Social Connectivity project.
With a mission to empower individuals living with sight and hearing loss in the Ballymena area, Deafblind UK currently offers a range of wellbeing and emotional support services. The additional funding from the Trust will enable the charity to expand on these existing offerings and establish a social connectivity project aimed at reducing loneliness. Deafblind UK is also planning to introduce the benefits of assistive technology and demonstrate the use of relevant equipment to the local deafblind community via this project.
“This funding is invaluable and will enable us to expand our current services and develop a new project geared towards tackling social isolation, which many members of the deafblind community encounter,” explained Andrew Jenkins, Project Coordinator at Deafblind UK.
“We are committed to ensuring that those living with deafblindness can experience life to the fullest, connecting with others in the local area along the way – and this funding will help us to reach more individuals in Ballymena over the next year.
“We are very grateful to the Gallaher Trust as without this funding injection, we simply wouldn’t be able to have such a positive impact on those living with deafblindness in the area.”
The impact of Deafblind UK’s services in Ballymena is already widespread with 180 beneficiaries currently supported and according to James McVicker, Sensory Support Officer, the extension of services will mean a great deal to the deafblind community.
“Living with sight and hearing loss can be very lonely and isolating but being able to access extended services will make a huge difference to those living with deafblindness locally. Our service users will grow in confidence and make new friends which is invaluable,” saidJames.
“Securing additional funding from The Gallaher Trust means the world to our service users as they can access greater support, alongside technologies to help make their everyday lives that little bit easier.”
By the end of 2026, Deafblind UK plans to host four general awareness sessions and support 40 deafblind adults via four wellbeing and emotional support classes.
Meanwhile, Lauren McAteer, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust added: “We’re keen to support projects that help bolster everyone in our community, which is why we were delighted to partner with Deafblind UK to help enhance their service offering.
“Having access to the latest technologies as well as enhanced emotional and wellbeing support could completely transform the lives of those living with deafblindness.
“We share the same ethos of helping people to reach their fullest potential, regardless of background, so partnering with Deafblind UK was a natural fit for the Trust. We’re looking forward to seeing the charity’s impact throughout the coming year.”
