GLOUCESTERSHIRE DEAF ASSOCIATION SECURES MATERIALS FUNDING BOOST

We've announced Gloucestershire Deaf Association as a runner-up in our 2026 Community Heroes initiative, recognising the charity’s support and commitment to children and adults living with neurological conditions in and around Cheltenham.

The charity was selected by a panel including celebrity judge and TV tradesperson, Rob Bent. The campaign was relaunched this year, after research found that half of Brits (48%) say community spaces have disappeared in their neighbourhoods.

The Gloucestershire Deaf Association is Gloucestershire’s only organisation which supports people of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing. It supports over 6,000 individuals per year, aiming to facilitate community connection, promote independence and support full participation in society.

The charity’s services include hearing aid clinics, assistive equipment installation, BSL and lip-reading classes, health checks and wellbeing services to adults and older people. As well as this, it runs a children, young people and families service which supports children and their families from birth to aged 18.

Thanks to the Community Heroes win, Gloucestershire Deaf Association has secured £1,000 to spend in its local store, Selco Cheltenham. The funding will be used to refurbish its existing buildings, preventing damp and energy waste by installing zoned heating, sensor lighting, LED lightbulbs and double-glazing panels.

Gilson Sly, Head of Growth and Partnerships at GDA Services, said:

“GDA is thrilled to be supported by Selco. Our community building is a thriving hub supporting around 10,000 people each year, but as a former Victorian primary school, it has been in need of some TLC and a modern energy upgrade. Selco's support will help us to maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for our community.

Most importantly, the funding supports our vital work serving deaf and hard of hearing children, adults and families to live confident lives with opportunity, participation and a place to belong.”

Now in its sixth year – and with a bigger prize fund than ever before at £62,000 – the Selco Community Heroes initiative is designed to benefit small community projects that are building brighter futures for their local areas.

David Lennon, Commercial Director at Selco Builders Warehouse, said:

“We’re delighted to support Gloucestershire Deaf Association through Community Heroes and contribute to improvements that will make its buildings more comfortable, efficient and welcoming for the people who rely on the charity’s services.

We hope our support helps the organisation continue the fantastic work it does across the community.”

Local charities and community projects are encouraged to find out more about Community Heroes and apply online.