At the Vassall Centre, we’re proud to be home to organisations that don’t just deliver services, they build communities. One of those Celebrating Community in Action: The Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
At the Vassall Centre, we’re proud to be home to organisations that don’t just deliver services, they build communities. One of those organisations is the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (CfD), whose vibrant programme of events and activities is helping Deaf and hard of hearing people across Bristol connect, learn and thrive. When CfD first opened its doors under the leadership of Justin Smith (CEO), the range of activities and groups available to deaf and hard of hearing people were very low on the ground, since then, CfD undertook the huge task of reaching out to what was a very fragmented, and very underserved community and over time, built confidence and strengthened community ties. CfD now support a huge range of activities and groups ranging from Deaf Arts to Deaf Watersports catering for deaf and hard of hearing people alike.
A quick look at CfD’s event calendar reveals an incredible breadth of opportunities taking place throughout the year. From regular coffee mornings and social groups to wellbeing sessions, information events, advice services and specialist workshops, there’s something for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The organisation also hosts larger community events that celebrate Deaf culture and bring people together. Earlier this year, CfD welcomed visitors to the Vassall Centre for its Community Festival, featuring information stalls, speakers, taster sessions and activities designed to connect the Deaf and hard of hearing community with local organisations and services.
Beyond social activities, many of CfD’s events provide practical support that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Sessions cover topics including dementia support for Deaf carers, technology, health and wellbeing, independent living and opportunities to meet others with shared experiences. These regular gatherings help reduce isolation while empowering people with information, confidence and connection.
As a key tenant at the Vassall Centre, we’re continually inspired by the energy, commitment and warmth the CfD team brings to our shared community. Their calendar reflects a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves opportunities to belong, participate and be heard.
At Bristol Charities, we know that thriving communities are built through relationships, inclusion and collaboration. Organisations like CfD demonstrate this every day, creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, support one another and celebrate Deaf culture.
We’re delighted to celebrate the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People as part of our tenant community and encourage anyone interested to explore the wide range of events and activities on offer.
Together, we’re helping make the Vassall Centre a place where communities come together, opportunities flourish, and everyone can thrive. 💜
📅 What’s Coming Up at CfD
There’s always something happening at the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People! Here are just some of the upcoming events taking place over the next few months:
🎭 August
- 4 August – Coffee Morning – On The Hill Cafe
- 6 August – Waitress (BSL Interpreted) – Bristol Hippodrome
- 8 August – BSL Board Games Meet Up (Watershed)
- 11 August – Coffee Morning – Bristol Beacon
- 14 August – The Bodyguard (BSL Interpreted) – Bristol Hippodrome
- 16 August – BSL Cycling Group
- 18 August – Coffee Morning – Thatcher’s Café (Gloucestershire Cricket Club)
- 19 August – Quiet Coffee Morning for Hard of Hearing People (Vassall Centre)
- 23 August – CBeebies House Party Live! (BSL Interpreted)
- 25 August – South Gloucestershire’ Deaf Residents’ Coffee Morning
- 26 August – We Will Rock You (BSL Interpreted) – Bristol Hippodrome
- 27 August – Coffee Morning – Beacon’s Cafe
🌟 September
- 1 September – Coffee Morning – On The Hill Café
- 8 September – Coffee Morning – Bristol Beacon
- 9 September – Where We Land (deaf and disabled artists) – Ham Green House
- 10 September – Mean Girls (BSL Interpreted) – Bristol Hippodrome
- 12 September – Bristol Deaf Watersports
- 15 September – Coffee Morning – Thatcher’s Café (Gloucestershire Cricket Club)
- 16 September – Quiet Coffee Morning for Hard of Hearing People (Vassall Centre)
- 20 September – BSL Cycling Group
- 22 September – South Gloucestershire’ Deaf Residents’ Coffee Morning
- 24 September – Coffee Morning at Elmfield Deaf School
🍂 October
- 1 October – Coffee Morning – Beacon’s Cafe
- 18 October – BSL Cycling Group
- 19 October – Community Event
- 21 October – Quiet Coffee Morning for Hard of Hearing People (Vassall Centre)
Whether you’re looking to make new friends, try something different, access practical support or enjoy an accessible theatre performance, CfD offers an incredible programme of activities that helps people stay connected and involved throughout the year. We encourage everyone to explore the full calendar and get involved.
Contact CfD here:
CfD Office or our Equipment Service
Phone: 0117 939 8653
Phone: 0345 900 7830
SMS text: 07545 264 840
Our Address
Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People,
Vassall Centre,
Gill Avenue,
Bristol,
BS16 2QQ
Event Calendar | Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Looking for accessible meeting spaces with free parking and an onsite café with incredible cakes?
Yes? Then get in touch with our Vassall Centre team to find out more here:
0117 965 9630
