National Lottery funding will support deaf people in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire

The CDA supports more than 300 deaf and hard of hearing people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough through advocacy, support, personal care and social and sports activities.

The grant will be used to help fund a befriending project which supports deaf people, some of whom can feel isolated or lonely, especially during these difficult times.

CDA has a team of 30 befrienders who work with deaf people to build their confidence and independence or even just have a chat.

The money will also be used across CDA’s community work which includes online social events and as things reopen, drop-in events and coffee mornings across the county.

These events are utilised by more than 200 deaf people who socialise or obtain interesting info about health and finances. There is also an opportunity to play games and get involved in arts and crafts.

Moreover, money has been given to CDA to reinforce its cash reserves which, due to the growth of the charity and use of its services, are very low.

Andy Palmer, chief executive of CDA, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the National Lottery for their grant to support our work. Our community and befriending schemes have been crucial for deaf people during the Covid pandemic and will continue to be in future.

“I’m really pleased that the National Lottery have identified CDA as an organisation that deserves their backing and I can promise people that we’ll continue to do everything in our power to improve health, wellbeing and equality for local deaf people pandemic or not.”