At the heart of the deaf community for more than 100 years
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA) supports deaf and hard of hearing people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Most of our team are deaf or hard of hearing themselves, so we understand the barriers our community faces every day.
The CDA teamSee what we achieved, and how we used our money
Every year we publish our annual report and accounts. It shows the support we gave, the people we reached and how our money was spent.
Annual Report and Accounts 2024–25
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Read about our year: the people we supported, our services and events across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and our full accounts.
Earlier reports
2023–24
2022–23
2021–22
2020–21
2018–19Need a report in a different format? Email office@cambsdeaf.org and we will help.
Run by people who understand
Important local services that hearing people take for granted are often not accessible in British Sign Language (BSL). Healthcare, benefits, protection from domestic abuse and simply staying connected can all be harder without it.
That is where we come in. Our staff and volunteers make sure deaf people get equal access to local services. We work with partner organisations to make their services accessible, and we run a wide range of our own. Whether you need support, want to work with us, or want to learn more about the deaf community and BSL, everyone is welcome at CDA.
- Most of our team are deaf or hard of hearing
- Qualified support for people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and other additional needs
- Protecting deaf people at risk of abuse, and supporting deaf women experiencing domestic abuse
- Hundreds of drop-ins and outreach events every year to tackle isolation
Thrive Live on CDA TVSupport at every stage of life
From advice and advocacy to care at home, social events and BSL classes, here are some of the ways we help.
Advocacy and casework
Help in BSL with money and debt, benefits, bills, work, courts and accessing services.
Get supportCDA Life
Care for deaf people with additional needs, built around communication. Rated Outstanding by the CQC.
About CDA LifeHearing Help
Free help to keep NHS hearing aids working, at drop-ins across the county and at home.
Find a drop-inFreedom and domestic abuse support
The Freedom Programme in BSL, adapted with Women’s Aid, for deaf people affected by domestic abuse.
Find out moreCommunity and sport
Deaf clubs, social events, outings and the CDA Sports Club, so nobody has to feel alone.
See what is onLearn BSL
British Sign Language courses for anyone who wants to learn, plus Sign Language Days.
Learn BSLCDA for Life
We want improved health, wellbeing and equality for deaf people: a Cambridgeshire where deaf people live healthy, happy, fulfilling lives, free from barriers and always supported. We built our strategy with our members, staff, volunteers and partners.
Our values
- Take notice
- Be active
- Learn
- Give
- Connect
“We envision a world where deaf people can prosper without barriers.”
Fil Kamps, ChairmanFrom a front room in Cambridge to a county-wide charity
- Early 1900s
George Mackenzie, a deaf man, marries a deaf woman and moves to Cambridge. Deaf friends start meeting at their home, and George asks his church for a place where deaf people can come together.
- 1912
The Diocese of Ely appoints George as the first Missioner for the Deaf in Cambridgeshire, and the deaf community grows.
- 16 June 1927
The association opens at Hope Hall on Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. It is still our main office today.
- 2017
CDA Life is set up to care for deaf people with additional needs, in their own language.
- Since 2019
We merge with Cambridgeshire Hearing Help and grow to support the whole deaf and hard of hearing community, with offices in Cambridge, Huntingdon and Peterborough.
- 2027
100 years since our doors first opened at Hope Hall.
Watch the story of CDA, from George Mackenzie to today.
The people behind CDA
Staff, volunteers, trustees and members all shape what we do. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Meet our team
The staff and volunteers who run CDA services every day.
Meet the teamBecome a trustee
Help lead CDA by joining our board of trustees.
Find out moreWork for us
See our current jobs and what it is like to work at CDA.
See jobsVolunteer
Give your time and skills to support the deaf community.
Volunteer with usThank you to our funders and partners
We rely on trusts, foundations, councils and businesses to run many of our services. We can do more because of you.
Everyone is welcome at CDA
Whether you need support, want to work with us, or want to learn more about the deaf community and BSL, we would love to hear from you.
Our main office
- Hope Hall, 8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge CB1 3NH
- 01223 246237
- office@cambsdeaf.org
- Registered charity no. 1062578
