Deafster — A Deaf-led social network app creating a Deaf world online, celebrating Deaf culture and identity, giving a space for the Hard of Hearing world to exist, and inviting the hearing community to support, adapt, and learn from us. Deafster aims to spark a movement — turning connection into change.
For too long, deaf people have been expected to adapt to a world built without us in
mind. We’ve had to navigate barriers, educate others, and find ways to be seen and
heard in systems that often overlook our existence. But here, on this platform, we flip
that narrative. Here, the deaf experience is not something to be explained — it is
something to be lived, shared, and honored.
Deafster invites the hearing world not as saviors, not as observers, but as allies. We ask
you to come in with open hearts, open minds, and a willingness to learn. Deaf people
are the minority. Hearing people are the majority. And that matters — because true
inclusion cannot happen unless those in the majority choose to listen, to understand,
and to stand beside us.
This is not about bridging a gap between two worlds. This is about building a new world
together — one where deaf culture is not hidden or misunderstood, but uplifted. Where
sign language is recognised as a rich, expressive, and valid language. Where deaf
children grow up knowing their identity is something to be proud of, not something to fix.
Deafster is for the storytellers, the trailblazers, the quiet fighters, and the proud signers.
It is for the parents learning their first signs with their child. It is for the teachers, the
interpreters, the friends, and the curious. It is for anyone who believes that
communication is more than sound — it’s connection.
Together, we rewrite the narrative. Together, we build a future where no one is left out of the conversation. Together, we unite the deaf and hearing worlds together forever.
For too long, Deaf people have been expected to adapt to a world built without us in mind. We’ve had to navigate barriers, educate others, and find ways to be seen and heard in systems that often overlook our existence. But here, on this platform, we flip that narrative. Here, the Deaf experience is not something to be explained — it is something to be lived, shared, and honored.
Deafster invites the hearing world not as saviors, not as observers, but as allies. We ask you to come in with open hearts, open minds, and a willingness to learn. Deaf people are the minority. Hearing people are the majority. And that matters — because true inclusion cannot happen unless those in the majority choose to listen, to understand, and to stand beside us.
This is not about bridging a gap between two worlds. This is about building a new world together — one where Deaf culture is not hidden or misunderstood, but uplifted. Where sign language is recognised as a rich, expressive, and valid language. Where Deaf children grow up knowing their identity is something to be proud of, not something to fix.
Deafster is for the storytellers, the trailblazers, the quiet fighters, and the proud signers. It is for the parents learning their first signs with their child. It is for the teachers, the
interpreters, the friends, and the curious. It is for anyone who believes that communication is more than sound — it’s connection.
Built with and for the Deaf community — 2,000+ members strong
2.4K+ Reviews
“Revolutionizing the way the world connects beyond sound.
Discover a movement where Deaf culture is not explained, but celebrated.”
Client of Deafster
About Us
Hamish Cruickshank is the Founder and CEO of Deafster, a platform created to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities. A Deaf man with severe neurodivergence (ADHD), Hamish has lived the challenges of communication barriers and knows how isolating they can be.
At 20, while struggling with mental health, he came up with the idea for Deafster — a safe space where no one is left out because of how they communicate.
Inspired by the memory of those we’ve lost to suicide and supported by mentors such as Georgiana Lisk, Hamish has grown Deafster from a personal vision into a movement for inclusion.
Hamish has also partnered with a business start-up who, for now, will remain anonymous. In time, their story and work with Deafster will be revealed — marking a powerful collaboration between a Deaf-led company and a hearing-led company, creating a Deaf world online, together and forever.
Outside of Deafster, now 28 years old, Hamish enjoys Muay Thai boxing, bodybuilding, and playing the drums. He also values spending time socially with his friends in Soho, London, where much of his creative energy and confidence is fuelled.
About Deafster
Deafster isn’t just a platform. It’s a story — one born out of struggle, loss, and the belief that connection can change lives.
It’s founder and CEO, Hamish Cruickshank, is a Deaf man with ADHD, whose life has been shaped by both challenge and resilience. At 18, weighed down by depression, anxiety, and ADHD, he left school and spent two years housebound. Out of that silence came an idea: a place where Deaf and hearing people could meet as equals, where no one would be left behind. That vision became the seed of Deafster.
Deafster is dedicated to the memory of those whose lives have been tragically cut short by suicide. It stands as a space of remembrance, compassion, and hope — honoring not only those we’ve lost, but also those who continue to live with the weight of mental health struggles. You are not alone.
The journey from idea to reality has been long — and Hamish has not walked it alone. At a time when Deafster was just a dream, Georgiana Lisk of Acorn Business Consultancy gave her time, heart, and expertise, guiding Hamish when he had little money and even less direction.
That early spark of belief carried forward. Attempts at collaboration with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) and SONY Start up Acceleration Programme Europe (SSAP) helped shape Deafster’s development and direction, showing that the vision had potential to resonate beyond Hamish’s own journey.
Today, Deafster is more than technology. It is Hamish’s promise — to honour the memory of those lost to suicide, to fight for inclusion, and to build with empathy. It’s a space where Deaf culture leads the way, where hearing people are invited to listen and learn, and where every story, every voice — signed, spoken, or written — matters.
Our Features
Deafster is built by and for the Deaf community, ensuring every feature reflects real experiences and true identity at the core.
A platform where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing people connect equally, creating genuine inclusion in everyday life.
We celebrate Deaf culture as vibrant and powerful, giving every member the space to embrace identity with pride.
Tools that remove communication barriers, making it simple to share, learn, and connect across communities.
From signers to allies, every story is valued and every voice has the power to be heard and respected.
Not just bridging worlds, but building a shared future where everyone belongs and identity is uplifted.
Hello, I’m Anna from Deafster.
Let me know if you have any questions about joining our community.
Why Choose Deafster
Together, we rewrite the narrative. Together, we build a future where no one is left out of the conversation. Together, we unite the Deaf and hearing worlds together forever. There is a waiting list of roughly 2,000 Deaf people already.
Deafster is the world’s first social platform in the form of an app built from the ground up for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing community, designed to empower, connect, and inspire. Unlike mainstream networks that retrofit accessibility, Deafster reimagines communication where sign language, visual-first interaction, and inclusivity are at the core—not an afterthought.
Testimonials
Our community is at the heart of everything we do. Here’s what they have shared about their experiences, their journeys, and the impact of being part of Deafster.
“Deafster makes me feel seen. For the first time, I’m part of a space that celebrates my identity instead of asking me to explain it.”
Deaf community member
“As a parent learning sign language with my child, Deafster gave us the tools and the confidence to connect in a way we never imagined.”
Parent
“It’s not just an app — it’s a movement. Deafster brings pride and culture to the center where they belong.”
Teacher & Ally
“I’ve met people here who understand my journey. Deafster is more than a platform, it’s a family.”
Hard of Hearing
“Deafster proves that communication is more than sound — it’s connection, culture, and pride. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Community ally
“Before Deafster, I often felt isolated online. Now, I’m part of a community that values my voice and my culture. It’s empowering and life-changing.”
Client of Deafster
Together, we rewrite the narrative. Together, we build a future where no one is left out of the conversation. Together, we unite the deaf and hearing worlds together forever.
FAQs
Deafster is more than a platform — it’s a movement. We celebrate Deaf culture, identity, and pride while creating a space where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing communities connect as equals.
Deafster is built for everyone: Deaf individuals, Hard of Hearing, sign language learners, parents, teachers, interpreters, and allies who believe in true inclusion.
Unlike traditional platforms, Deafster doesn’t treat deaf identity as an afterthought. It puts culture and pride at the center, making inclusion the foundation, not the exception.
Not at all. Deafster welcomes everyone — whether you’re fluent in sign language, just starting to learn, or simply want to support the community.
You can sign up directly on our platform and be part of the movement. There’s already a growing waiting list of thousands eager to connect.
No, Deafster isn’t free to use. The platform has a small monthly subscription of £2.50. We’ve set this price very deliberately: it’s low enough for all members to comfortably afford without ever feeling taken advantage of, yet meaningful enough to help keep Deafster sustainable.
Our long-term vision is to make Deafster completely free by developing other sustainable revenue streams. Until then, this small monthly contribution allows us to keep improving the platform while ensuring it remains accessible to everyone.