Guest Speaker – Caroline from Cumbria Deaf Association
We were delighted to welcome Caroline, CEO of Cumbria Deaf Association to the InGroup today. Caroline generously shared her journey and the organisation’s mission. Personal experiences shaped her path, as hearing loss abruptly struck her at 10. Her resilience led her to the helm of the association, where she reinvented the financial strategy amidst the COVID era. She guided the shift from a 60% grant-funded structure to one where 90% of the income is self-generated, with the remainder supplemented by grants and donations.
This income supports a broad spectrum of community services, including sign language classes for deaf children and their families, fostering communication and inclusivity. One exciting venture is training 130 people in sign language in partnership with Cumbria Cathedral for their 130th-anniversary celebration.
The association’s mission transcends assisting deaf individuals; it is a beacon in reshaping perceptions about deafness and hearing loss. They tirelessly advocate for improved employment rates and inclusivity within the community.
We’re also pleased to report that our members’ generated £1500 worth of business was generated and multiple referrals made. We are indebted to Caroline for her enlightening visit and look forward to further collaboration.