Deaf community cheers on Deaf men walking for Deaf mental health

Two Deaf men have captured the imagination of the Deaf community by setting out on a walk from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise money to support treatment for Deaf people with mental health problems.

Mark Hodgson and Daniel Dorney are walking to raise £10,000 for Deaf4Deaf and SignHealth to support their work to give Deaf people services like counselling in BSL. They are accompanied by support driver Christopher Potts.

To support them, give money on the Crowdfunding page here!

At the time of writing, they have already raised nearly half their target, approaching £5000 after one week, which suggests the final sum they raise may be more than their target sum.

Mark is from Nottingham, while Daniel and Christopher are from York. They are planning to camp overnight for much of their journey.

Deaf people across the country are now following their progress on a Facebook group (click here to join it!) and are planning to meet the men and cheer them on during their walk.

The support has risen over the last week, with Deaf people sending supportive messages and one Deaf man who works for a supermarket arranging free food for the men.

Their walk reflects growing concerns in the Deaf community about mental health, with many Deaf people reporting problems getting appropriate help, and tragic incidents of several Deaf people taking their own lives who previously had mental health problems.

The men’s spokesperson says:

“Many Deaf people suffer with mental health issues and are unable to access suitable support. They are often referred to hearing-led counselling services who then communicate with them using BSL interpreters. This is a more costly approach and not appropriate for some. This is why they are supporting Deaf4Deaf and SignHealth.”

To support them, give money on the Crowdfunding page here!