Blog Archives

I’m Justin and I joined CfD in February 2022

With over 20 years of experience in the third sector, I support charities and community organisations to improve services and create meaningful impact. As Operations Manager at CfD, I focus on strengthening systems, developing effective ways of working, and ensuring our mission—to build a fairer and more equitable society—guides everything we do.

My career has included work with a range of vulnerable groups, including people affected by substance misuse and women facing complex challenges. I am committed to social justice, community engagement, and ensuring services are accessible and inclusive.

I also serve as an Independent Scrutineer for the Avon & Somerset Criminal Justice System, contributing to work on disproportionality, accountability, and systemic improvement.

My name is Mark, and I am the Community Development Manager at the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CfD). My role is funded by the Bristol Impact Fund, an initiative established by Bristol City Council to tackle inequality across the city. My specific focus is supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in Bristol.

At the heart of my role is community development. I work closely with the local Deaf community to reduce social isolation by improving accessibility and creating inclusive opportunities to take part in social and recreational activities. By increasing participation in groups and activities, individuals are able to widen their social networks and, in turn, improve their health and wellbeing.

Before this role was established, the Deaf community in Bristol had become increasingly fragmented following the closure of the much-loved Deaf Club in 2014. For many Deaf people, the club had been a lifeline: a safe space, a social hub, and a central place to access information and services. Its closure meant that Deaf people suddenly lost this vital hub and were left to navigate services that had once been available in one location but were now dispersed across the city.

This highlighted a clear need for a dedicated community development role to rebuild connections, improve access to information, and support Deaf-led initiatives across Bristol.

I’m Steve and go out and visit clients to support them with their equipment. I also work as an administrator for the equipment service. I look after stock control for items of equipment such as doorbells and phone ringing aids. My role is to make sure that the correct level of stock is maintained to be able to meet demand while keeping the costs of holding stock to a minimum. Previously I worked as an IT developer in the banking and insurance industry for nearly 30 years.

Hello, my name is Gemma, and I work alongside Steve as an equipment officer. I primarily visit people in their homes to assess and install equipment that may help promote their independence.

My hearing has been in decline, and I wear a hearing aid, and I have a daughter who has a hearing loss. I love that CfD helps me put that lived experience to good use.

Currently Learning BSL Level 2

My name is Natalie, and I joined CfD in 2024. I work primarily with the Equipment service, answering emails and calls to arrange home visits for our clients.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me hiding in a good book, going for walks with my husband, or pottering in the garden with our three children.

Sammy Joined in September 2025

I’m Daisy and I’m the Charity Secretary. I work alongside the trustees to ensure the smooth running of the charity and provide support to the CEO and Community Development Officer. I joined CfD in 2019 and have a background working in the Private Medical sector.