Princesshay announces charity of the year

Princesshay has announced The Deaf Academy as it’s Charity of the Year for 2026-2027, supporting the charity as it marks its 200th anniversary.

For more than 12 years, Princesshay has proudly partnered with local charities to raise both much-needed funds but also awareness of the services they operate in our community.

Founded in Exeter in 1826, The Deaf Academy is a unique UK charity, offering specialist teaching, support and care to Deaf children and young people who also have multiple or complex additional needs, including multi-sensory impairment, autism and physical disabilities.

Its mission is to develop empowered, confident young people who are equipped to embark into adulthood with aspiration, skills and resilience

Jon Walton, Princesshay Centre Manager said: “We are so pleased to support the Deaf Academy. We were genuinely blown away by the work they do, and it just felt like the right fit for us. They’re doing such important work for young people and families, and in their bicentenary year, it feels even more special to be able to support them.

"What really stood out were the ideas around bringing Deaf awareness into Princesshay through workshops and performances, as well as helping our own teams learn and better understand the community. “

Mark Stocks, Deaf Academy Partnership and Community Manager said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the Charity of the Year by Princesshay as part of our Bicentenary Year. We look forward to championing Deaf Awareness and British Sign Language to the Heart of Exeter.

"All funds raised will be put towards our Bicentenary Legacy which will support students to make their next steps to independence and employment.”

The partnership which begins this month will see a programme of fundraising and awareness activities taking place throughout the year in Princesshay including donations from Princesshay Honey sales and Santa Sundays.