Dear Editor, 

As a deaf person in the UK, navigating everyday life in a hearing world can be a struggle. Common activities like shopping, visiting a hospital or socialising are often full of challenges. 

When people aren’t deaf-aware, it can make life a lot more difficult. It can be so isolating and really knocks your confidence.


The good news is, with just a few simple changes, we can include everyone. I remember being on a film set and someone simply repeated a few things that they thought I might have missed. It was a small thing, but it made such a huge difference. 

This Deaf Awareness Week 2026 (4 - 10 May) I’ve teamed up with RNID to show people how they can break through the invisible barriers for the 18 million adults in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. 

With a few little changes and a bit of kindness, we can ensure everyone is part of the conversation. Simple actions like politely getting someone’s attention, letting them see your lips when you’re speaking, and learning a few basic phrases in British Sign Language – these can all remove barriers instantly. 

I encourage everyone to sign up to RNID’s ‘It does matter’ campaign to receive free deaf awareness communications tips and simple British Sign Language (BSL) videos. Visit rnid.org.uk

Regards, 

Samantha Baines
Author, actress, broadcaster and RNID Ambassador