Spotlight on the Vassall Centre

The Vassall Centre is more than just a building, it’s a thriving hub of organisations working every day to support communities, champion inclusion, and create positive change.

In this series, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible tenants based at the Centre, hearing their stories, celebrating their impact, and learning what makes this place so special to them. From long-standing charities to emerging grassroots groups, these interviews offer a glimpse into the heart of The Vassall Centre and the people who bring it to life.

One of these tenant organisations is the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (CfD), a charity led by and for people with lived experience of hearing loss. CfD works towards a world where hearing loss does not equal isolation, where Deaf and hearing communities integrate into one society, and where communication is no longer a barrier.

CfD plays a vital role at the Vassall Centre, sharing their knowledge while also helping to foster the inclusive, supportive atmosphere we’re known for; we are proud to have them as part of the fabric of the building.

🏢 A) About Your Work at the Vassall Centre

Can you tell us a bit about your organisation and what you do here at the Vassall Centre?
My name is Mark, I am the Community Development Officer at CfD (Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People). The majority of CfD staff and trustees are Deaf or hard of hearing and we fully understand the impact of living with hearing loss. We can share from our own experiences and provide practical information and advice on dealing with the challenges that hearing loss can bring.
 CfD is committed to ensuring fair access and to improving the quality of life for all people with hearing loss and provide emotional and practical support for all affected by hearing loss.
 This is based on our vision of:

1. A world where hearing loss does not equal isolation.
2. A world where Deaf and hearing communities integrate into one society.
3. A Bristol and South Gloucestershire where communication is no longer a barrier for those who use BSL or have an acquired hearing loss and where everyone can feel part of the vibrant community that they live in today.

• Who do you work with or support, and what impact do you aim to have?
  Primarily, our aim is to ensure a better quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people in Bristol and the surrounding areas, by tackling barriers and improving access to services. This is a huge scope and requires collaboration with Community Centres, Health Services, Theatres… but more importantly with deaf and hard of hearing people.  

• What does being based at the Vassall Centre enable you to do that you couldn’t do elsewhere?
  Accessibility is one of the main reasons why we are based here at The Vassall Centre. The meeting rooms are equipped with hearing loops, and it being a level access building makes it ideal for those with mobility issues. Also, we have been able to build an extensive network of organisations/charities within the building – a lot of which were established at Vassall Centre events. This has provided opportunities to inform and improve accessibility with partner organisations but also to draw upon their expertise to inform our own practices.

• Are there any moments from the past year that stand out as particularly meaningful or proud?
  We hosted a Community Festival at the Vassall Centre, funded by Bristol City Council’s Bristol Community Festival fund. It was hugely successful, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a very short turnaround in terms of receiving funding and making it happen, but with the support of the Vassall Centre it was made possible.

🕰️ B) Celebrating the History of the Centre

• How long have you been based at the Vassall Centre?
  CfD has been based here for 11 years, though our management and personnel has changed through the years. The current CEO, Justin, started back in 2022.
  
  
• What changes have you seen over the years?
  Over the years we have noticed a vast improvement in communication, the team at Props learned some sign language, hearing loops within the vicinity have been looked into and improved, staff in general seem more confident to approach us using gestures and signs – which has made us feel a valued part of the Vassall Centre community.
  
  
• What do you think makes the Vassall Centre special or different from other places you’ve worked?
  The Vassall Centre has become somewhat of a safe space for our deaf and hard of hearing members. They’ve become familiar with the building and the staff due to CfD events, and now attend of their own accord with friends, to relax and socialise at the Props Cafe which is wonderful to see.
  
  
• Do you have a favourite memory or story from your time here?
  CfD used to be based around the corner from Props Cafe and the smells from the cafe led to a weight gain of a pound or two for some of us. Nowadays we burn the calories by doing the long walk up to the cafe ha! I’m not sure it’s a favourite memory or story, but it’s certainly the reason we’re addicted to Props cakes!

🌱 C) Looking Ahead – Hopes and Ambitions

• What is happening for you over the next few months?
  We’re exploring more funding avenues to continue the amazing work that has been done as well as look into some new and exciting projects. So, watch this space!
• How do you see your work growing or evolving in the future?
  We are always exploring new ways of working and new funding streams, as always, our ambition is to create a better quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people and remove barriers. We will hopefully widen the area in which we currently work, with that may come more staff and more projects.
• What would you love to see happen at the Vassall Centre in the next few years?
   I would love more tenant meet ups/events to allow us the opportunity to network and get to know each other and potentially do some collaboration work.
• Is there anything else you’d like to share about what the Vassall Centre means to you?
  The Vassall Centre is more than just an office space for organisations/charities, it’s a safe place for the people that we serve – it’s a community.

We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and purposeful community here in Frome Vale.