I hope this update on the HDBT finds you all well. It has been a long time since we operated the Trust but sadly, we were not immune to the effects of COVID 19 and the other usual pressures of life such as loss, health concerns and caring responsibilities. The good news, however, is that we are back up and running, albeit in a slightly different format!
Previously, we had some excellent professionals working for the Trust and we briefly ventured into the realms of providing some hands-on professional support and although very beneficial to the young people and families that accessed the service, due to geographical constraints , sadly, we could not get the numbers to make it viable. Also, the trust team has contracted so we had a rethink of our model of care. We will only operating in the Kirklees & Calderdale areas where the Trust originated.
While remaining true to Silvia Hutchinson’s concern about families getting the right sort of services for their children, we have decided to concentrate on four key areas.
We will still be providing small grants for pieces of equipment or to undertake a unique experience but we will also provide a hub on our web site for specific information that both carers ,professionals and those affected by deaf blindness will find useful .On top of these two vital components we will also provide periodic family events which will be a space to come together and have an enjoyable time . Similarly, we wish to continue providing periodic educational events which we know do not just provide good learning but also a great form of mutual support.
It is vital to the Trusts operation to reflect the voice of all those affected by deaf blindness. Our Trustees have firsthand experience of the many issues facing people, but we welcome further input from anyone else who would like to get involved in the running of the Trust so do contact me for an informal chat. You can reach the Trust team through this site.
Our web site has been improved and we hope you will find it useful. You can also link in with us by joining our data base and we will notify you on forth coming events and similarly, if you would like to partner with us on any aspect of our new model of support or indeed have a story/information to tell that will help others, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the link provided on this site.