At CDA, we believe that everyone should have access to the support they need, when they need it. Whatever your problem is, CDA is here to help. Some of the issues we can assist with include:
- Money problems
- Accessing services
- Debt
- Dealing with bills
- Benefits problems
- Employment issues
- Finding work
- Courts and legal
- School and education
- Police
- Health and medical
- GP appointments
We offer tailored support to help individuals navigate these challenges, ensuring they can make informed decisions and improve their quality of life.
Expert Advocacy for the Deaf Community
Our Advocacy & Casework Team (ACT) is led by staff who have lived experience of deafness, ensuring that high-quality, culturally relevant support is provided to people with hearing loss or deafness. We understand the day-to-day challenges faced by the Deaf community and are passionate about raising awareness and improving access to services for British Sign Language (BSL) users.
In partnership with PoHwer since February 2024, we are working to enhance Deaf awareness across local services, ensuring that BSL users have better access to the support they need.
In the past year, our Advocacy & Casework Team has supported 215 individuals, handling 1,073 cases ranging from understanding correspondence and arranging payment plans to helping with benefit forms, police interviews, care planning reviews, and accessing mental health services. Our team uses a range of communication methods, including BSL, Sign Supported English (SSE), lip-reading, Total Communication approach, and Deafblind manual, to ensure everyone gets the support they need.
Supporting the Most Vulnerable
Our specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service has been critical in supporting Deaf individuals who have experienced domestic abuse. In 2023-24, we supported 14 clients, with 4 of them at crisis point and 2 in high-risk situations. As a result, clients reported feeling safer, more in control of their lives, and empowered to live independently after receiving our support.
Additionally, we partnered with SignHealth and Hourglass UK to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the Deaf and older communities through accessible livestreams. These efforts have ensured that people in need know where to turn in difficult situations.
A Holistic Approach
CDA’s Advocacy & Casework Team works as part of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) within the organisation, collaborating with our Care, Community, and Befriending teams to offer holistic, client-centred support. This approach has helped us improve our clients’ wellbeing, reduce isolation, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Community Engagement and Feedback
Ensuring that important information is accessible in BSL is a priority for us. We regularly attend community events, providing support and advocacy directly to those who need it. By engaging with the Deaf community, we gather vital feedback, which helps shape the services we offer and ensures that local organisations are responsive to the needs of Deaf individuals.
Client Feedback
Here’s what some of our clients have said about the support they’ve received from CDA:
“I received amazing support from Emma—whenever I need something urgent, she’s always there for me. I feel safe and comfortable with her.”
“Brilliant support and guidance. Lovely staff, met Poppy and Serena, both so engaging and polite. They’ve given me good advice for supporting clients with learning difficulties.”
“CDA has been a massive help, especially with my health issues. I’m grateful for the empathy and support I’ve received.”
“I wanted to say thank you to CDA for supporting me during a difficult time, and for visiting my brother in hospital to support him.”
We work in Partnership with PoHwer to provide advocacy
Get in Touch
If you or someone you know could benefit from our Advocacy & Casework services, please reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate life’s challenges, ensure your voice is heard, and help you gain the support and independence you deserve.