£3.7K funding boost set to transform lives for deafblind community in Ballymena

Pictured are, from left, Andrew Jenkins, Project Coordinator, Sorcha Mallen, deafblind specialist, Jillian Tullis, service user, Lauren McAteer, a Trustee of The Gallaher Trust, Cllr Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and James McVicker, Sensory Support Officer.

A vital new funding boost is set to open doors, build confidence and tackle isolation for dozens of people living with deafblindness in Ballymena.

Deafblind UK has been awarded £3,700 from The Gallaher Trust to expand its local services — with plans to introduce new social connectivity programmes, enhance emotional support, and showcase life-changing assistive technology.

For many living with combined sight and hearing loss, everyday life can be isolating. This latest investment aims to change that.

Tackling isolation through connection and support

The funding will support a new Wellbeing and Emotional Support and Social Connectivity project, designed to reduce loneliness and help individuals reconnect with their community.

Deafblind UK already supports 180 people across the Ballymena area. With this additional funding, the charity will expand its reach and introduce new opportunities for users to meet, engage and build confidence.

Andrew Jenkins, Project Coordinator at Deafblind UK, said the impact of the funding cannot be overstated.

“This funding is invaluable and will enable us to expand our current services and develop a new project geared towards tackling social isolation, which many members of the deafblind community encounter.

“We are committed to ensuring that those living with deafblindness can experience life to the fullest, connecting with others in the local area along the way - and this funding will help us to reach more individuals in Ballymena over the next year.

“We are very grateful to the Gallaher Trust as without this funding injection, we simply wouldn’t be able to have such a positive impact on those living with deafblindness in the area.”

Technology and confidence-building at the heart of plans

Pictured are, from left, James McVicker, Sensory Support Officer, Jillian Tullis, service user, Lauren McAteer, a Trustee of The Gallaher Trust and Andrew Jenkins, Project Coordinator.

A key part of the project will focus on introducing assistive technologies — tools that can significantly improve independence and day-to-day life.

James McVicker, Sensory Support Officer, highlighted the real-life impact these services already have — and how the expansion will go even further.

“Living with sight and hearing loss can be very lonely and isolating but being able to access extended services will make a huge difference to those living with deafblindness locally. Our service users will grow in confidence and make new friends which is invaluable.

“Securing additional funding from The Gallaher Trust means the world to our service users as they can access greater support, alongside technologies to help make their everyday lives that little bit easier.”

Clear goals for the year ahead

By the end of 2026, Deafblind UK aims to:

• Host four general awareness sessions

• Deliver four wellbeing and emotional support classes

• Support at least 40 deafblind adults through the programme

These sessions will not only provide practical help but also create safe, welcoming spaces for connection — something many service users currently lack.

A shared vision for community impact

The Gallaher Trust says the partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping people reach their full potential.

Lauren McAteer, Trustee at the Trust, said:

“We’re keen to support projects that help bolster everyone in our community, which is why we were delighted to partner with Deafblind UK to help enhance their service offering.

“Having access to the latest technologies as well as enhanced emotional and wellbeing support could completely transform the lives of those living with deafblindness.

“We share the same ethos of helping people to reach their fullest potential, regardless of background, so partnering with Deafblind UK was a natural fit for the Trust. We’re looking forward to seeing the charity’s impact throughout the coming year.”

A meaningful step forward for Ballymena

For Ballymena’s deafblind community, the funding represents more than just financial support — it’s a chance to reconnect, rebuild confidence, and access tools that can transform daily life.

As the project rolls out over the coming year, its impact is expected to be felt not just by individuals, but across families and the wider community.

Find out more

For more information, visit: https://deafblind.org.uk/

Learn more about The Gallaher Trust: www.thegallahertrust.org

At a glance

• Deafblind UK awarded £3,700 from The Gallaher Trust

• Funding will support a new wellbeing and social connectivity project

• 180 people in Ballymena currently benefit from services

• New project aims to reduce isolation and improve confidence

• Assistive technology will be introduced to support daily life

• Four awareness sessions and four support classes planned by end of 2026

• At least 40 deafblind adults expected to benefit directly

• Project focuses on connection, independence, and wellbeing

• Funding seen as transformative for local service users