IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM DRC, HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
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.
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
Home page information in BSL
This video is BSL foramt with an introduction to the homepage of the website
Feature Video
Your invite to our 15th Annual general Meeting in BSL
Feature Events
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
“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
D/deaf young people & CODAS’s invited to create a Mural Art Project with Wonder Arts – (with BSL video)
We are so excited to partner with Wonder Arts to deliver a wonderful project with children...
The Direct Payments Scheme that support children and young people with 1-2-1 support
Through the Direct Payments Scheme The Deafness Resource Centre has Support Workers who can...
Question of Sport is coming to Totally Wicked Stadium & is supporting DRC
Join sporting stars Michael Smith, Stephen Bunting, James Roby, Martin Murray and more as...
Learn British Sign Language (BSL) with us. New Accredited Level One Course starts this March
British Sign Language (BSL) became a recognised language in its own right in March 2003....
DRC’s Enchanting Christmas Extravaganza Spreads Festive Cheer
On the crisp and merry Saturday of November 25th, the Deafness Resource Centre underwent a magical...
DRC supporting local charities and Christmas Giving
Children and Staff from Deafness Support Centre delivering the Dunelm Presents for the Joy of...
‘Poor’ NHS interpreting services leading to misdiagnosis and deaths.
On BBC Radio Four this week, 'File on Four' covered a story about 'Poor' NHS interpreting...
Design a Teddy Competition – Win Family Cinema Pass
This is your chance to design a Family Hub Mascot and WIN a FAMILY CINEMA PASS. Sutton...
“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 2022-2023?
Let us show you…
Advocacy Interventions
People attended Tinnitus Support Groups
Interpreter Bookings
Families received indepth Family Support
People received specialised equipment
2-18year olds participated in Ican Sign Programme
Families that completed 6 week Family Sign Course
%
Pass rate of students who completed Level 1 BSL
People attended Hard of Hearing 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…