Charity move will improve services

A LONG-running Worcester charity move allows it to improve services for the deaf and hard of hearing reports the Worcester News (30/01/12).

Deaf Direct, which supports people in Worcester-shire, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire, has been based in Worcester since it was founded in 1935.

Today it will move from its Sansome Walk base and open the doors of its new premises at Vesta Tilley House in Lowesmoor. As well as disabled access and visitor parking, chief executive Philip Gerrard explained that the building is fully deaf-friendly – right down to the fire alarm system that has a flashing light in every room to alert those unable to hear it.

The move will also allow the charity to introduce new facilities and services over the coming months. As well as facilities for social groups and new confidential one-to-one advice rooms, it will have a range of equipment on display for clients to try out.

Mr Gerrard said: “We are pleased to be relocating to a more suitable building that will be deaf-friendly and allow us to offer many new services. “It will also help us to continue to campaign and promote the positive aspects of deafness and raise awareness of how we can help to support local deaf people, their families and friends. With one in seven people suffering hearing loss, most people know someone in their family, at work or socially who is affected.”

Its contact details will remain unchanged and it can be reached by calling 01905 746301, texting 07725 244127 or e-mailing info@deafdirect.org.uk