Wales Council of Deaf People and Action Deafness
(03.10.2025) – We are pleased to announce that Action Deafness and Wales Council for Deaf People (WCDP) will complete their formal integration on 31st October 2025. This follows a period of close collaboration and shared planning.
From 3rd November 2025, WCDP will officially become:
Action Deafness Cymru / Byddardod Ymlaen Cymru
This is a positive and strategic step forward for the Welsh Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind community. Both organisations share a vision to secure, strengthen and grow Deaf and Deafblind services across Wales.
Action Deafness is proud to work in close partnership with WCDP’s trustees and team to ensure a smooth transition that retains the Welsh identity, local services and cultural heritage.
Why is this happening?
For over 50 years, WCDP has played a vital role in supporting and advocating for Deaf communities in Wales.
However, like many charities, it has faced increasing pressures in a changing environment. In recent years, WCDP has recognised the need for a more resilient, sustainable model to meet evolving community needs and funding environments.
Action Deafness is a Deaf-led charity with a strong track record in specialist support, advocacy, communication and care. Action Deafness has stepped forward to help and secure the future of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind Services in Wales.
Action Deafness and WCDP are Deaf organisations with complementary strengths. They have chosen to unite their services and bring together local expertise, national reach and a shared commitment to culturally appropriate services.
This partnership ensures that services will grow stronger, with a renewed focus on community leadership, Welsh identity and long-term impact.
What will change?
From 3rd November 2025, WCDP will be known as Action Deafness Cymru / Byddardod Ymlaen Cymru.
All existing services will continue. Action Deafness Cymru is planning to establish new services and reach all regions of Wales.
Action Deafness will also integrate its Specialist Support Care Services into Wales, ensuring local Deaf and Deafblind people have access to culturally appropriate, BSL-accessible care. AD will shortly bring in two teams from South West and South East Wales in the next coming months.
All Communication will be ‘BSL-first’ with bilingual (Welsh and English) written communication. This ensures full accessibility to information and inclusion for all.
What does this mean for the community?
Action Deafness Cymru/ Byddardod Ymlaen Cymru will continue to support Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind people of all ages across Wales.
Action Deafness Cymru will respect and promote Welsh Deaf culture, Welsh BSL and local leadership.
A dedicated Welsh Advisory Group will shape priorities and ensure local voices lead decision-making.
Byddardod Ymlaen Cymru /Action Deafness Cymru will grow the current Welsh-based team. More training will be provided to the current team and more Deaf jobs will become available.
Byddardod Ymlaen Cymru /Action Deafness Cymru will support the Welsh Deaf, Hard of hearing and Deafblind communities to engage with decision makers in the Welsh Government.
Timeline:
• 23 October 2025 – WCDP Annual General Meeting to formally approve the transition
• 31 October 2025 – Formal Integration completed
• 03 November 2025 – Launch of Byddardod Ymlaen Cymru/Action Deafness Cymru
“New Chapter, Same Heart – Building Deaf Futures in Wales”
Notes to Editors:
About Action Deafness
Action Deafness is a leading Deaf-led organisation dedicated to supporting Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals across the UK. Through a range of specialist services and support, we strive to empower our community, promote accessibility and inclusivity.
For more information, please visit: www.actiondeafness.org.uk
Media Contact:
Charlotte Jefferies, People Executive, Action Deafness: [email protected]www.actiondeafness.org.uk
