DSN (Deaf & Sensory Network) are celebrating the extraordinary milestone of Gill Reeder’s 50th work anniversary, recognising her half a century of dedication to breaking down barriers and championing the rights of people living with a sensory loss.

Gill, who began her career with Chester and North Wales Society for the Deaf in the early 1970s (later renamed Cheshire Deaf Society in 1976 and Deaf & Sensory Network in 2024), has worked tirelessly across Cheshire and the surrounding areas to ensure that deaf people are better supported, understood, and included in society.

Having studied at Wrexham College qualifying as a social worker and then via The Open University to study management of Voluntary organisations, Gill quickly established herself as a passionate advocate for change. Over the years, she has held key roles, including Operations Executive, where she oversaw DSN’s partnerships with local authorities across Cheshire and North Wales, as well as projects such as the BBC Children in Need “I’m Hear” project and DSN’s Youth Vibe group for young people with hearing loss and their friends.

Now at the helm of DSN as Chief Executive Officer, Gill’s impact has reached far beyond the day-to-day. She has spearheaded initiatives, including award-winning community outreach projects, as well as research into the links between deafness and dementia with the University of Manchester, and the development of DSN’s Positive Hearing LLP, a not-for-profit audiology service providing the latest technology, training, and support to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss.

Gill’s determination to break down communication barriers for the deaf community has seen DSN create its very own training arm, which now provides dozens of accredited British Sign Language courses across the area, as well as deaf awareness training for the likes of Manchester Airport.

She has also represented DSN on influential boards, including the Countess of Chester Hospital Diversity and Equality Panel.

Colleagues describe Gill as an ‘inspiration’

Dave Fardoe, Chairman of DSN’s board of trustees, spoke at an event to mark the milestone year. He said: “This is a milestone achievement of an amazing individual, who shows such dedication and passion for such an illustrious career, and I think we can all say how much we admire the work you’ve done. From an administrator, to taking over the support teams, to now as our CEO, which you are executing brilliantly. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the organisation and for all the people you’ve supported throughout the last 50 years.”

Gill’s 50th anniversary was marked with a celebratory event attended by colleagues and supporters, kindly sponsored by MRD Technologies, at Planaterra in Chester.

Reflecting on her career, Gill says the “fun parts” of her role have always been coupled with a deep determination to improve equality and access for deaf people.

Gill said: “Looking back over the last 50 years, I feel incredibly privileged to have worked alongside so many inspiring colleagues and community members. My greatest joy has been seeing the difference we can make when barriers are removed and people feel truly heard and included. The deaf community has taught me so much about resilience, creativity, and kindness, and I’m proud to have played a part in making services fairer and more accessible. This milestone isn’t just mine – it belongs to everyone who has shared this journey with me.”

For more information about DSN and their work, visit http://www.dsnonline.co.uk or contact them via email: dsn@dsnonline.co.uk.