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Congratulations Courtney!

· One min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

Great work from Deafblind Enablement's training team. Congratulations to Courtney, who has achieved her Signature Deaf Level 2 Communicator-Guide qualification in just six weeks.

Courtney holding her Signature Level 2 certificate, standing beside a colleague from the Deafblind Enablement training team who is wearing a red DBE lanyard.

Deafblind Enablement (DBE) is going from strength to strength, and there will be more news about our services soon.

Join our deafblind community

We run short breaks, day trips, skills sessions, craft clubs, Braille groups, bowling nights and more. We are the only national organisation dedicated solely to supporting deafblind people, enhancing lives and building a community.

Come and join us. Call 01733 686969 for more information.

Two New Specialist Deafblind Workers for the North East

· 2 min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

Deafblind Enablement (DBE) is going from strength to strength. We are delighted to introduce our two new Specialist Deafblind Workers for the North East, who visited us at our Head Office in Peterborough for specialist training.

Three members of the Deafblind Enablement team standing together and smiling at Head Office in Peterborough. One wears a red Deafblind Enablement lanyard.

Claire Cook and Donna McLaughlin have shown great commitment and dedication working for us as fully qualified Communicator-Guides. Both are now looking forward to the exciting times ahead in their new posts.

Get in touch

If you have a sight and hearing loss and need specialist support to attend hospital appointments, or you need Communicator-Guide support services, we can help.

If you would like to join our growing North East team as a Communicator-Guide or Deafblind Interpreter Guide, we would love to hear from you.

Call 01733 686969, option 8 for the Newcastle region, or email claire@deafblind-enablement.co.uk or donna@deafblind-enablement.co.uk.

Training

Specialist deafblind Signature qualifications for Communicator-Guides and Interpreter Guides are available. Email training@deafblind-enablement.co.uk or call 01733 686969, option 4.

Funeral Arrangements for Alberta Rochester

· One min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

Our dear Alberta's funeral will be held on 30th March 2026 at 10am at Peterborough Crematorium, Bretton, Peterborough.

All are welcome to attend the service.

There will be a private intimate gathering following the service — invitation only.

Alberta Rochester Memorial

Donations & Memories

If you would like to leave a donation or share a memory of Alberta, please follow the dedicated memorial link below:

Alberta Rochester Memorial Page

In Loving Memory of Alberta Rochester

· One min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

It is with very deep sadness that we let you all know that Alberta Rochester passed away last night.

Alberta was DBE's Awareness Officer, a much-loved member of the DBE family, an Assessor, and a dear friend.

We will all greatly miss her. Much love goes to Dave during this difficult time.

Video Tribute

This post was originally shared as a video tribute. You can view the full Reel and the community's touching comments on our Facebook page: Watch the Tribute Reel on Facebook

Happy New Year from Deafblind Enablement!

· One min read
Debbie James
Director & CEO @ Deafblind Enablement

Happy New Year to everyone! ❤️

What a wonderful, busy year it has been for all our service users—filled with fun, laughter, and new experiences. Most importantly, it has been a year of our users being in control and making their own choices.

We are so thankful to our valued Communicator-Guides, Interpreter Guides, family members, and friends who help us in so many different ways.

"The smallest thing you do always makes the biggest impact on the lives of vulnerable deafblind people."

We look forward to making a difference to many more deafblind people in 2026!

With love to you all,

Debbie

DBE’s 11th Annual Rally – A Heartwarming Success

· One min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

Our 11th Annual Rally was a great success this year, with over 50 people attending!

It was a wonderful opportunity to bring deafblind friends together from across our UK regions for a lovely carvery meal, fun, and games.

11th Annual Rally

This year, we took a moment to acknowledge our deafblind friends who couldn't attend due to health issues, and we shared fond memories of those who have passed away during the year.

A massive thanks to all our supporters—we continue to grow our deafblind family in a number of new areas.

Our Specialist Services

If you or someone you know requires assistance, we are here to help. We offer:

  • Specialist Assessments
  • Communicator-Guide Services
  • Deafblind Interpreter Guides (specifically for medical appointments)

Get in touch with us today to learn more.

In Loving Memory of Pam Watling

· 2 min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Pam Watling.

Pam was a caring, lovable, and fiercely independent lady who always looked out for everyone. As a DBE Awareness Officer and Assessor, she promoted deafblindness wherever she went, highlighting the daily struggles of living with limited sight and hearing.

Pam was a vital part of the DBE family, and she loved her own family dearly. We will all miss her presence and her dedication to our community.

Pam Watling Memorial

Funeral & Memorial Arrangements

We invite you to join us in celebrating Pam's life:

  • Service: Monday, 24th November at 11:00 AM
  • Location: Peterborough Crematorium
  • Reception: From 12:30 PM at The Woodman (by Thorpe Wood Golf Course) for food, drinks, and the sharing of stories.

RSVP & Attendance

If possible, please RSVP to let us know if you are attending. Kindly include any dietary requirements or if you will be accompanied by a partner, family member, or support worker.

Note: You are still very welcome to join us even if you do not RSVP.

Donations in Lieu of Flowers

If you wish to honor Pam’s memory, the family suggests a donation to the British Heart Foundation in lieu of flowers.

In Loving Memory of Pauline Brown

· One min read
Deafblind Enablement
Deafblind Enablement

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Pauline Brown.

Pauline served as DBE's Deafblind Awareness Officer for many years. She was an inspirational, dedicated lady and a truly loving person who cared deeply about everyone she met.

Rest in peace, Pauline. You will be greatly missed, but your legacy lives on in the work we do.

Pauline Brown Memorial

Funeral Arrangements

The funeral service for Pauline will be held on:

  • Date: Monday, 29th September 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM

If you plan on attending the service to pay your respects, please let us know so we can assist with arrangements.