A HARTFORD-based community group that offers the lifeline of communication for deaf and hard of hearing members and their families has been awarded £1,600 by home builder Redrow.
Redrow sales consultants Abby Ritchie and Rob McCann, visited Hartford and District Lip Reading Group, having recently completed a sign language course themselves to enable them to better assist deaf customers.
The group, which meets every Friday at St John’s Church in Hartford, were given £1,600 from the voluntary community fund to secure its future by covering running costs.
All members are deaf or hard of hearing and, despite having hearing aids or cochlear implants, still find it hard to hear and follow conversations, particularly in social settings.
Catherine Walker, ATLA (Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults) teacher for the group said: “The classes provide a lifeline to communication to any adult who has a hearing loss. The skills I teach enable members to feel part of the community, to form friendships and avoid feelings of social isolation. Members currently include hearing spouses who want to support their families and friends.
“Teaching our members the skill of lip reading helps to combat loneliness and gives members confidence to face social interaction.
“The group do not receive any outside funding and usually pay for room hire themselves but Redrow’s kind donation will mean they can meet the shortfall between income and expenditure and ensure the continuation of our classes until there are more members.”
Caroline Thompson-Jones, area sales manager at Redrow NW, said: “This group has such a huge impact on its members, and for that reason we really wanted to help them to continue with their sessions. Redrow strives to build a culture that is inclusive to all, which enables employees to be themselves at work, actively values difference and ensures everyone is treated fairly, and the lip reading group gives its members the same opportunities.”
As part of that culture, Redrow is also supporting sales consultants and customer service colleagues to train for their Level 1 British Sign Language qualification.
The community fund donation is linked to Redrow’s Hartford developments, Weaver Park and Water’s Reach. Both located on Woods Road, a selection of three and four-bedroom properties is currently for sale.
For more information call the sales team at Weaver Park on 01606 369800 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/weaverpark or www.redrow.co.uk/watersreach
