DSN (Deaf & Sensory Network) has expanded its dynamic youth programme with the launch of Youth Vibe in Warrington – a dedicated service for deaf, CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) and hard-of-hearing young people aged 8–25 and their friends.
Thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, DSN can now continue and develop its highly successful youth offer across Cheshire and bring this vital service to Warrington for the first time.
Currently running monthly, Youth Vibe sessions will increase to bi-monthly in 2026, with an ambitious plan to offer weekly sessions by 2027. The programme supports deaf young people aged 8–18 through inclusive youth sessions, holiday activities, youth council sessions, and a young leaders’ programme. As part of the new funding, DSN will also deliver tailored support and social opportunities for older young people aged 19–25.
Georgia Middlehurst, Senior Practitioner for Youth Vibe, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Youth Vibe to Warrington. This isn’t just about having fun, although there’s plenty of that; it’s about giving deaf young people a safe, accessible space where they can connect, grow in confidence, and develop skills for life. Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, we’re now able to support even more young people and help shape the next generation of deaf leaders.”
The service aims to tackle isolation, promote social inclusion, and provide young deaf people with a voice and a vibrant community where they feel understood, supported, and celebrated. Their June meet-up saw the group playing games in the local park, which included support from youth workers who have specialised communications skills in BSL (British Sign Language).
Youth Vibe is part of DSN – the leading sensory support service in Cheshire and North East Wales which has been operating for nearly 50 years. It offers a range of services to support people who are deaf and/or have a hearing loss, including supported living provisions and social care contracts. DSN’s training arm incus also operates individual and corporate training for deaf awareness as well as fully-accredited British Sign Languages courses from beginner level through to interpreter.
For more information about Youth Vibe and how to get involved, visit www.dsnonline.co.uk or contact DSN directly at dsn@dsnonline.co.uk.
