New information service for Deaf and hard of hearing adults appointed by councils

25 March 2026

People from the Deaf and hard of hearing community will continue to receive support from a new information and advice service launching in Northamptonshire from April.

Following the announcement, earlier this month, from charity Deafconnect that they were to close at the end of March, North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council have secured RJ Community CIC to run the service from 1 April 2026.

RJ Community CIC, which supports Deaf, Deafblind, and people with hearing loss to access information, advocacy, training, and community activities, said it was “delighted” to be providing services for people across Northamptonshire.

Until 31 March, Deafconnect will continue to offer services by appointment only. During this period, the council will also continue to provide information and advice through its web pages.

The council had proactively engaged with a range of organisations regarding a replacement service and have received a number of expressions of interest before this week’s appointment.

We are delighted to be working with North Northamptonshire Council to continue providing vital support for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people across the area. We recognise how important continuity of support is, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition while building a strong, responsive service shaped by the community. At RJ Community CIC, we believe in ‘your community, your way’ — delivering inclusive, accessible services that reflect local needs. We look forward to working with residents and partners to make a positive and lasting difference.Ruth Godden, CEO at RJ Community CIC

We know how important these services are to Deaf and hard of hearing residents across North Northamptonshire, and we have acted quickly to make sure support continues without interruption. I’m pleased to welcome RJ Community CIC, whose expertise and community‑focused approach will help us build a strong and responsive service for the future. Our priority is ensuring that people feel supported, connected, and confident that their needs will continue to be met.Cllr Eddie McDonald, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive member for adult services

Our priority is to ensure residents who are Deaf or hard of hearing continue to have relevant services that are easily accessible, inclusive, and tailored to support their independence and wellbeing. We welcome RJ Community CIC as our new partner and look forward to working together to enhance the support available across West Northamptonshire. This partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen how people access information and advice, and to ensure services are designed in a way that removes barriers and promotes greater inclusion.Cllr Laura Couse, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health

Book an appointment

If you need help or want to book an appointment with Deafconnect until 31 March 2026, please contact:

Phone (voice / text relay): 01604 589011

Email: [email protected]

Information and advice will also continue to be available online.

From 1 April, to book an appointment with RJ Community CIC please contact:

Email: [email protected] | 07721 064179 (text/WhatsApp/video) | 0333 533 2373
Website: www.rj-cic.co.uk

Further information and advice resources: