Peterborough based charity confirm sale of headuqarters

Deafblind UK have been based in Hampton Peterborough for a number of years.

However, today the charity - which helps scores of deafblind people across the country - confirmed they were moving to new premises in Peterborough.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted to confirm that we have completed the sale of our headquarters building in Peterborough. The building was named the National Centre for Deafblindness. However, we have felt for some time that, for many years, the building has not been used as it was originally intended; instead, it had become the charity’s head office and a conference centre. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that we do not need large premises, as staff are able to work from home and be just as productive, as the last few months have proved.

"The name of the National Centre for Deafblindness and its functions have transferred to our residential facility at Rainbow Court which is also in Peterborough. We are fortunate in having this facility nearby and we believe that the transfer has been seamless. What is critical is that the funds generated by the sale allow us to maintain and develop our services, reach more people, and have a greater impact.

"Our income streams have been decimated due to the pandemic; income from our conference centre, retail, and regional activity virtually gone, and with little hope of recovery for many months; legacy income is in jeopardy as people take stock of the impact on their finances due to the pandemic.

"As we now face a recession, the sale of our HQ building will mitigate our immediate losses and help offset less income in the next 2-3 years. The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up many more needs for our members, and reinforced that more people need support; so, our need for funding is higher than ever, if we are to survive and thrive as a charity.

"So, we start a new year and a new chapter in our story. We are tremendously excited about the opportunities that this move will allow us and the additional support that we will be able to give to those who need us."