Every day at Dickson House feels a bit like family life – shared meals, laughter, routines and moments of independence. It’s a place where Deaf children and young people can learn, play, relax and grow in confidence, supported by staff who care deeply.
Life at Dickson House is full of laughter and ordinary moments that make up a happy childhood — playing games, celebrating birthdays, learning new signs, and finding pride in small achievements.
It’s also a place where care is constant and thoughtful. Staff are always there when needed, but children are encouraged to be themselves — to explore, to make choices, and to discover what they can do.
I feel safe here. Everyone signs and understands me.
— Young resident
Everything at Dickson House is about learning in real life, not just in the classroom. Children help plan meals, choose activities, decorate their rooms, and take on age-appropriate responsibilities. As they grow older, they work through independent living goals that match their needs and abilities. These might include:
- Cooking and food hygiene
- Managing money or using public transport
- Road safety and personal care
- Doing laundry and ironing
- Building healthy relationships and communication skills
Every small step builds confidence and independence, preparing young people for life beyond Dickson House, whether that’s moving to North Flat, college, or – one day – their own home.
Mornings are lively – breakfast chatter, signing good mornings, last-minute school bag checks. Staff walk the children across campus to Doncaster School for the Deaf, sharing a quick handover with teachers so everyone stays connected.
After school, children return home to relax, play games, or catch up on homework with help from staff. Evenings might include:
- Cooking tea together – practising skills like chopping, tidying, and teamwork.
- Swimming, bowling, and various activities in the local area.
- Football in the garden or Scouts in the community.
- Movie nights, board games, or crafts in the lounge.
Bedtimes are calm and age-appropriate, helping everyone get the rest they need for a fresh start tomorrow.
Weekends and holidays bring even more variety – outings, hobbies, visits home, and trips to local clubs or parks. Staff encourage children to try new things, build confidence and have fun along the way.
Young people here have a say in how their home runs. Staff hold regular meetings where residents share ideas, plan activities and even help interview new staff. Everyone’s opinion matters – no one is ever assumed to be unable to communicate their views.
Children know how to share worries or feedback too, through one-to-one chats, messages or their “comments box.” Every voice is listened to and respected.
Our spaces are important, but it’s the feeling inside them that matters most – warmth, laughter and the steady reassurance that comes from being truly understood.
Dickson House and the North Flat are designed to feel like real homes – safe, comfortable and full of life. Every space encourages communication, independence and belonging.
Dixon House
Set in the green grounds of The Carr Fenton Foundation in Doncaster, Dickson House is a bright, detached home with its own garden.
It has:
- A welcoming lounge for games, TV and movie nights
- A playroom with computers, games and craft supplies
- A dining room where everyone eats together
- A large kitchen for shared cooking and independence lessons
- A utility room where young people learn to wash and iron their own clothes
Within the home, there are six bedrooms, plus a staff office and a sleep-in room for the on-duty care worker. Bedrooms are private and personal spaces that children make their own, decorating them with posters, photos and bedding that reflect their personalities.
The North Flat – for older residents
The North Flat, just above Doncaster School for the Deaf, provides a more independent environment for older residents who are ready for extra responsibility.
It includes:
- Three bedrooms for young people and one staff office/sleep-in room
- A spacious lounge and dining area for shared meals and relaxation
- A kitchen equipped for independent cooking
- A playroom with a pool table and computers
It’s a calm, friendly place where teenagers prepare for adult life — managing their routines, building confidence and enjoying support when they need it.
A Deaf friendly environment
Both Dickson House and the North Flat are fully equipped for Deaf young people. Every detail supports clear communication, safety and independence.
Features include:
- Flashing fire alarms in every bedroom
- Vibrating alarm clocks and visual alert systems
- Subtitles on all TV and media
- Computers and internet access
- Staff who sign fluently and use visual communication throughout
- Trained interpreters when required
This specialist setup means children can take part in all aspects of home life, knowing that communication will never be a barrier.
Everyone here signs. It feels normal — like it should be.
— Young resident
A place to play and explore
With six acres of playing fields on site, there’s plenty of space for outdoor fun — football, tennis, walks or simply relaxing with friends. The homes are a short walk from Doncaster Dome, one of the UK’s largest leisure complexes, and close to the city centre for swimming, shopping, and cinema trips.
We will always try and accommodate a child’s individual interests and hobbies and find suitable clubs within the local community if possible. Local clubs in dance, football, youth activities and drama offer even more ways for children to build friendships and confidence in the wider community.
Health and wellbeing
Looking after every child’s physical and emotional wellbeing is central to our care. We work closely with local health and mental-health professionals to make sure everyone gets the support they need.
Mental health and counselling
We have strong links with the National Deaf Children, Young People and Family Service (CAMHS) — a specialist team offering advice, therapy and guidance for deaf children and those with emotional or behavioural needs. Young people aged 16 and over can also access confidential counselling through the Foundation, either by staff referral or by self-request.
Everyday healthcare
Each full time resident is registered with a local GP, dentist and optician. Staff accompany children to appointments and make sure follow-ups are arranged when needed.
We work with trusted local providers:
- GP: St Vincent’s Surgery, Thorne Road
- Dentist: Mrs Wolverson, Thorne Road
- Optician: Specsavers, St Sepulchre Gate
These regular check-ups, along with healthy routines at home — balanced meals, exercise, and time outdoors — help children stay happy and well.
Visitors and community
Families, social workers and friends are welcome to visit at agreed times. All visitors sign in and are accompanied by staff to keep everyone safe. We encourage family contact whenever possible, because staying connected to loved ones is part of feeling secure and supported.
It’s not just a house. It’s where children learn what home feels like.
— Staff member