Help us answer the next urgent call.
Losing your sight and hearing can bring questions, uncertainty, and significant life changes.
The Deafblind UK helpline is often the first point of contact for someone experiencing the challenges that can come with being deafblind, providing free impartial advice, a listening ear, and a way forward for thousands of people every year who are in crisis.
Every £5 donated enables us to answer one more call to our helpline. Please, donate to Deafblind UK today and, together, we can ensure that no one has to face deafblindness alone.
"My goodness, I'm so pleased you were available to take my call as, at that point, I felt broken. Your support towards me was fantastic. I felt cared for and uplifted." - Deafblind UK caller
"I had no idea that my local authority should be offering a deafblind assessment until I contacted you. You made me aware of all the support and services that Deafblind UK provides, which was incredibly helpful." - Deafblind UK caller
"I was feeling quite low and helpless to make changes in my life. Without our conversation and your advice I would not have contacted social services and improved my life and confidence." - Deafblind UK caller
Ways to donate
You can give a one-off gift to support the helpline or choose to give an amount to fund calls monthly, ensuring we will always be there for the next person who needs us.
Alternatively, call us on 01733 358100 to donate over the phone.
Victoria's story
Victoria, 40, was born deaf, but it wasn’t until the age of 22 that she was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome; a rare inherited condition affecting around 10,000 people in the UK and is the leading genetic cause of deafblindness. The news was devastating.
Learn more about Usher Syndrome here
“My older sister has Usher Syndrome, so it was always in the back of my mind whether I could have it too. But still, when my fears were finally confirmed it felt like my life had been turned upside down.
"I had just finished university the week before and suddenly it was like my future was being taken from me. I was crying all the time and I didn’t go back to the hospital for five years. I was determined to go on living my life for as long as I could before my vision diminished.
“I’ve always been proudly independent. But, at the age of 27 I went back to the hospital because things were getting worse, and by 29, while pregnant with my first child, I made the difficult decision to stop driving.
”Ever since, as a busy, working mum of two, I have relied on a disability entitlement through my local authority to help pay for travel, such as taxis, to go about daily life. But two years ago, I was told that support would stop overnight.
“It was like having the rug pulled out from under me all over again. Suddenly, my independence was being taken away for no clear reason. I was a mess and didn’t know where to turn to.
“That’s when I discovered Deafblind UK. I called the helpline and the wonderful Angela answered. She told me that she also has Usher Syndrome and listened patiently while I offloaded for what must have been 90 minutes. She answered my questions, and explained the responsibilities of the council as well as my right to a deafblind assessment. I had been doubting myself, so it was such a relief to leave that first call feeling really positive and determined to keep fighting for the support I’m entitled to.
“Finally, it felt like there was someone who understood; someone who was in my corner.”
“It has taken two years to secure a deafblind assessment and have my travel entitlement restored, and Deafblind UK has been there throughout. Whenever I encountered setbacks and I felt like giving up, they were there for me, offering the advice and understanding I needed to keep going.”
How you can help
Every 12 minutes we answer a request, like Victoria's, for life-changing support through our dedicated helpline. You can help us to be there for every person experiencing sight and hearing loss, and those that care for them.
However large or small, your gift will make such a difference:
- £25 could help us answer five calls to our helpline from people in crisis, offering free confidential advice and support.
- £50 could provide a specialist emotional support session for someone trying to process their sight and hearing loss.
- £100 could fund a trained helpline operator for an entire day, to be there for anyone in need of advice or support.
12 minutes
Deafblind UK answers a request for support
1 in 150
people live with dual sensory loss
610,000
people living with deafblindness by 2035
Deafblind UK Helpline
Whether you have questions about sight and hearing loss, would like information about local services, need support with housing or benefits – and everything in between, we can help! We have a team of dedicated and professional staff and volunteers ready to answer your queries and offer confidential and impartial advice.
Our free helpline offers support and guidance to people living with sight and hearing loss, their carers, family and friends, as well as professionals working with deafblind people.
The helpline is free to call and is open Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm and Friday, 9am – 4pm (excluding bank holidays). This service is available in English and British Sign Language (BSL).
How to use this service
Simply contact us in one of the following ways:
Tel: 0800 132320
Text: 07903572885
Email: [email protected]
Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132320
