Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Charity

There are around 15,000-20,000 British Sign Language (BSL) users in Scotland. In Glasgow and the surrounding areas, around 400 are from ethnic minorities, many of who frequently experience poverty, isolation, poor mental health, and barriers to services.

SEMDC provides specialist and personalised support, through information, advice, training, befriending and advocacy, as well as fortnightly club meetings and an activity programme to empower and support members.

Thanks to a £3,854 grant from the Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme, SEMDC delivered thirteen workshops and wellbeing activities designed to support women in the community. Culturally less likely to take part, the women engaged in sessions on First Aid, yoga, art therapy, menopause, mental health, breast cancer awareness, and domestic abuse – all made fully accessible through BSL. Creative and social activities such as fruit tasting, trips to the Cat Café and Christmas Market, bowling, and make-up workshops further built confidence and friendships.

One participant, H, moved to Glasgow in 2024 and felt isolated and withdrawn. Encouraged to attend by the Development Officer, she quickly found her confidence. Her BSL improved, she became more sociable, and she discovered new outlets for creativity and self-expression. By the project’s end, H was helping set up sessions and considering volunteering with the group, becoming a role model for others.

The impact has been transformative. Women who once felt isolated are now building friendships, learning about their health, and developing new skills. For many, this has been their first chance to take part in accessible, culturally sensitive activities that recognise their identity and challenges. One participant now travels from Falkirk to Glasgow, describing the group as her “second family.”

This project has given women the confidence, knowledge, and connections to continue learning and engaging, ensuring they feel less alone and more empowered within their community.

Read more about the Volant Charitable Trust programme