Laurence Banks and Emma Iliffe on the formation of a new network for deaf people in the borough

Enfield Deaf Community (credit Kai Images)

There are approximately 250 registered deaf people in Enfield and 27,000 who are partially deaf, from moderate to severe.

Enfield Deaf Images Group (ENDIG) was founded around 20 years ago with support from Enfield Disability Action (EDA) and other charities. ENDIG worked closely with EDA’s Deaf Project team, co-ordinated by Marianne Holford and Mary White.

Marianne supported deaf committee members in running a deaf-led organisation, giving deaf people a stronger voice with local authorities, organising meetings, sharing information, and arranging campaigns and social events for Enfield’s deaf community.

A unique part of ENDIG’s identity was its logo. It was first created by Colin Bunting, a committee member known for his work as a deaf clown and magician. His aim was to help the public better understand deaf culture, communication, and access needs. The balloon artwork used in the final logo was later designed and digitally created by Emma Iliffe, a qualified graphic designer, to reflect ENDIG’s creativity and spirit. ENDIG has always been committed to making sign language accessible, expressive, and fun.

In April 2016, the deaf community faced severe service cuts that had a significant impact on deaf people’s daily lives. When EDA closed, the future of the Deaf Project became uncertain. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, it ended in 2018/2019.

The project had acted as a vital lifeline – offering advice, helping with paperwork and bills, and providing telephone assistance. Many deaf people relied on it to overcome communication barriers and navigate essential services.

ENDIG played an active role in campaigning for better support. This included organising protest marches and holding panel meetings with MPs to highlight the importance of accessible services. For many years, ENDIG and the Deaf Project were recognised as the ‘deaf voice’ in Enfield. When the Deaf Project closed, ENDIG was left without direction for nearly four years. The committee decided to wait before making any final decisions about ENDIG’s funds and future.

In January, Empowering Disability in Enfield (EDIE) launched a coffee morning to begin discussing future support for disabled residents. Some deaf attendees felt it was time to reconnect and rebuild, forming a new deaf group called Enfield Deaf Community (EDC). The former ENDIG committee agreed to transfer ENDIG’s remaining funds to EDC as a positive step forward, supporting new leadership and renewed community involvement.

EDC aims to share updates, signpost available services, and provide information relevant to deaf people – for example, details about British Sign Language interpreter availability and accessible online options. By working with EDIE, EDC hopes to strengthen awareness, continuity, and inclusion for deaf people across the Enfield area.

This article is published with support from LocalMotion Enfield, part of a UK-wide movement for community-led change

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