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
Our Services
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 Basic 6 week courses to Accredited Level 1 and Level 2 British Sign Language Courses.
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
Request Deaf/BSL Training
Feature Training – BSL
ICan Activities
Future Events
ADULT
No booking required. Just turn up no later than 2:30 at Widnes Superbowl UK.
£6.99 for 2 games
YOUNG PEOPLE
YOUNG PEOPLE
ADULT
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.”
“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
Watch Me…
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IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM DRC, HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
Our Partners and Supporters
