Deafness Resource Centre provide support for D/deaf people in St Helens, Halton & Knowsley

 

We aim to empower, support and enhance the quality of life for D/deaf people, for children, young people, families and adults across Merseyside

Get all festive with our 3 fabulous Christmas Events

 

Save the dates and make sure you book your place in the link below

Events

 

Make sure to check our page frequently for updates on the newest events and activities happening at DRC

 

Brand New Events for 2024!

Youth Club

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday on the month: 6:30 – 8pm – starting 12th June

Join us for our twice monthly youth club for young people aged 8-16yrs.  Lots of fun, activities and a great opportunity to meet new people and socialise.

 

Learn British Sign Language

BSL Level 1:   Sorry our January course is, NOW FULL, please register your interest for the next course.

BSL Level 2:  Sorry our January course is, NOW FULL, please register your interest for the next Level 2 course.

 

Support & Social Groups

 

We run various support groups including Tinnitus, Hard of Hearing and social groups

 

 

Interpreters & Communication

Under the Equality Act 2010 D/deaf people have the right to acess services equally to someone who is hearing.

Our Language Service Professionals are experienced in the following settings: medical appointments, general meetings, specialist i.e. legal, mental health settings, school settings and conferences.

Room Hire

 

Did you you we have various size rooms in which you can hire.

From large hall, ideal for events, clubs and more to our social lounge room and training rooms.  We have it covered.

 

Welcome to The Deafness Resource Centre in St Helens

At The Deafness Resource Centre (DRC), we are dedicated to providing support, resources, and services to individuals who are D/deaf*, as well as their families and friends. Our centre is a hub of information, assistance, & community for the D/deaf population in St. Helens, Halton, Knowsley and the surrounding areas.

Our mission is to empower individuals with hearing loss to live fulfilling and independent lives. We understand the unique challenges faced by the D/deaf community, and we strive to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in all aspects of life.

What sets us apart is our team of experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference. Our staff members are both D/deaf and hearing, who are also fluent in sign language and have extensive knowledge and expertise in various areas related to deafness. Whether you need advice on communication strategies, assistive technology, or access to education and employment opportunities, our team is here to help.

*D/deaf is a collective term used to describe people who are profoundly deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind.

 

Home page information in BSL

This video is BSL foramt with an introduction to the homepage of the website

Feature Training offer

Deaf Awareness Training Halton

Feature Video

BSL Video for Halloween Party 30th October

Feature Training offer

Feature Events

Information & Guidance

We provide up-to-date information on a wide range of topics related to deafness, including communication methods, technology, legal rights, and more. Our knowledgeable staff are available to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Social & Recreational Activities

We believe in the importance of building a strong community. That’s why we organise social events, outings, and recreational activities where individuals with hearing loss can connect, share experiences, and have fun together.

Children & Family Services

We believe that every child deserves a world of opportunity.  Our dedicated Children and Families Team is committed to providing unparalleled support and resources for families with D/deaf children or CODA’s (Children of Deaf Adults).

Advocacy Service

We advocate for the rights and needs of the D/deaf community, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected

Learn British Sign Language

We offer Accredited Level 1 and Level 2 British Sign Language Courses. Delivered by qualified Signature staff

Deaf Awareness Training

We offer DAT sessions to enhance communication skills, and promote D/deaf awareness.  Training is available to individuals, organisations, school and groups.  

Communication Service

We offer sign language interpretation services for various situations. Our interpreters are fully qualified, experienced interpreters and ensure effective communication between D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals

Equipment Service

We offer free equipment to support you in your independence, adaptable  for people with or without hearing aids

Help support the work of the Deafness Resource Centre

We need your help so we can continue the valuable work the Deafness Resource Centre provides for D/deaf people.

If you would like to make a donation, please click on the Just Giving link.

“Deafness Resource Centre support me with giving me a voice and provide support at health appointments so I can understand what is being said.

I know that there is someone there to help me with the communication and this lets me concentrate on myself.”

“All I can say, I am so thankful and really appreciate what you and other members of staff do for the deaf people. Thank you and Bless you all”

 

“I do not worry anymore as I know the lip speaker will get my attention if anyone is talking to me, I can tell her when I do not understand without me having to feel foolish or embarrassed.  I am so grateful to Deafness Resource Centre.”

Latest News

#KnowThe5Rights

#KnowThe5Rights

Do you know your 5 Rights? Are you D/deaf, blind, visually impaired, do you have a speech or...

“Deafness Resource Centre aim to deliver high quality services that empower, enable and support the D/deaf community”

 

How many people did we support across St Helens, Halton and Knowsley during 2023-2024?

Let us show you…

Advocacy Interventions

Families and children attended 17 activities throughout the year

Interpreter Bookings

ICAN Sign sessions were delivered

People received specialised equipment

Outreach sessions

Family Sign sessions across 15 families

%

Pass rate of students who completed Level 1 & Level 2 BSL

People attended Hard of Hearing & Tinnitus Support Groups

Deaf Awareness Sessions delivered

“Hi I have just got back from the deaf awareness half day delivered by staff at the Deafness Resource Centre. I just want to say it is the best and most valuable 4 hrs I have ever spent in a classroom. The delivery was absolutely brilliant. I can’t say I will be the most prolific signer the trust will have but I will certainly continue to practise it and hopefully be able to welcome patients from the deaf community who choose to sign in their own language.

Many thanks”

Staff Nurse – Whiston Hospital

“I don’t know where we would be without the Deafness Resource Centre. They have helped us as a family immensely".

 

 “For me, as a carer, the DRC are always there. I know I can ring or email any time for help and advice. The Deafness Resource Centre is a lifeline for many families and I am grateful that it is here.”

 

"I'm happy that I made that first step, and what a difference it has made to me. "

 

 “Hearing loss for me makes me feel lonely in a room full of people, as I was missing so much of conversation. From the moment I met the DRC staff in the Halton Sensory Service office, they were welcoming, understanding and provided not only practical help with additional equipment to make life easier, but also advised me on support groups for Hearing loss, and Tinnitus”.

 

Following returning from the young people's residential weekend

 

“Matthew had a fabulous time, and gained so much confidence using BSL – many thanks for this opportunity. It was brilliant thank you for this opportunity”

A Decade of Transformation at the Deafness Resource Centre for one young man

 

“My son has been a regular attender at the Deafness Resource Centre (DRC) for 10 years. Initially he started in Happy Hands, then progressed to the youth club, and now is a volunteer helper.”

 

"I stopped going out until DRC helped me with special hearing equipment. Now I'm living my life again!"

 

“I’ve now fully re-engaged with my friends and feel confident going to the pub with my friends. My confidence has grown, and my mental health has greatly improved.”

 

Room Hire: This year we have used the 1st Floor Training Room to run wellbeing courses for adults

“We found the booking process very easy, a warm welcome every week and all at a very reasonable cost. We are very happy with our booking and usage of the premises. We appreciate the friendliness and professionalism of all the staff that we deal with.”

Communication Service:

“All I can say, I am so thankful and really appreciate what you and other members of staff do for the deaf people. Thank you and Bless you all”

 

 

 

Watch Me…

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