Shailesh Vara MP has met with Nikki Morris BEM of Deafblind UK, who has been Chief Executive of the charity since January 2023.

They discussed the progress made by the organisation, founded in 1928, and the support that it offers to the 450,000 individuals who are affected in the UK. This includes helping and supporting individuals who are deaf and blind, as well as training and support for their families and carers.

The charity has a shop in Broadway Shopping Centre in Yaxley, which helps towards fund raising and recently work has started to convert its premises in Peterborough into two accessible flats for use by those who are deaf and blind.

Ms Morris spoke of a schools’ programme which seeks to inform children about the charity’s work and also important research being carried out to help with better diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Following the meeting, Mr Vara said:

“I was very pleased to meet with Nikki Morris and to hear of the fantastic work that is being done by Deafblind UK.

“This is a wonderful charity that takes care of those who are affected by the condition from birth, as well as those who are born deaf and develop blindness later on in life.

“The support offered is vital for many children and adults, as well as for families and carers, and it is good to hear of the progress that is being made.”

Ms Morris added:

“We are extremely grateful to Rt Hon Shailesh Vara MP for a highly productive and valuable meeting. His support of our work is invaluable and we are looking forward to working together in the future to meet the needs of increasing numbers of people living with deafblindness.”

Photo: Shailesh Vara MP with Nikki Morris BEM.