New health service launched for deaf people in Dumfries

DEAF and deafblind people across Dumfries and Galloway are to be helped by a new development project which was launched this week.

DeafVision Dumfries and Galloway includes the appointment of a new development worker, Claire Unwin.

Her role will be to provide services across the region for those with hearing problems or who are deafblind.

There are almost 21,000 deafened or hard of hearing people in the region and up to 75 use British Sign Language.

Statistics from the Department of Health also suggest that there may be as many as 150 deafblind people.

And there are around 500 new referrals to social work sensory support services each year – which will increase with the growing elderly population each year.

However, despite the united hard work of Dumfries and Galloway Society for the Deaf and Cumbria Deaf Association, they recognised that they have unmet needs.

And in 2006 they obtained funding for a feasibility study and research to see what was needed and how they could provide it.

It resulted in the creation of The Dumfries and Galloway Deafness Partnership whose report has led to the DeafVision project which aims to provide new services to adults and children in the region.

Claire plans to initially set up an accessible office base as well as two or three satellite centres across the region. The project will look to recruit and train new and existing trainers so that they can run informal and accredited communication skill and deafness awareness courses.

And to establish support facilities such as drop-in, information and an advice services, as well as outreach and community work such as home visits.

She said: “I also plan to set up dedicated activities for deaf children and young people in collaboration with existing services within DeafVision.

“The local National Deaf Children’s Society Group is in regular contact with 15 families – 17 children – with various events being organised throughout the year.

“There is a greater number of hearing impaired children residing and attending schools in the region who are not in contact with the local group.”