The importance of Deaf Direct’s work
The charity estimates that 1 in 6 people are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and their studies suggest that this will double by 2021, and, sadly, by 2031 hearing loss will be a bigger problem in the UK than other conditions like diabetes. In order to curtail this trend, the charity has to continue to provide their valuable services. For example, they are running a course on lipreading with freelance tutors. These classes are friendly for beginners or improvers. The course is designed to help deaf people communicate with, and understand, the world around them.
They also support those with hearing problems with day-to-day life things such as anything housing-related (letters, bills, benefit advice); equipment (e.g. flashing doorbells, fire alarms); impartial advice on any hearing-loss-related issues. These are just a small number of ways the charity helps. A full and detailed account of every way the charity can help you or someone with hearing difficulties, should head over to their Outreach Support section
How donations help
£10 could pay for a one-hour session to help a person manage hearing loss
£20 could buy a hearing loss support session with someone in their own home
£80 could pay for an older person to attend a lipreading course
Get involved
For supporters wanting a unique and fun way to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the charity runs the Good Vibration choir. This is a great group of people that gets together on Tuesday evenings and perform songs with singing and sign language. It’s open to both hearing and deaf people, and truly helps break down barriers between the two, and a great way of making friends within the community. For more information, head over to the Good Vibration section of their website.
Aside from this, there are also a number of ways for supporters to donate their time in the Midlands. It’s a perfect way to make a difference as well as learn new skills. There are opportunities available for those who know sign language and for those who don’t. The best place to find all the information you need is in the Volunteering page.
