Navigation

The Hearing Resource Centre Background According to studies carried out by the Royal National Institute of the Deaf, approximately 15% of any community will fall within the definition of "Deaf and Hard of Hearing". This means that approximately 14,000 people in Jersey may have one form of hearing impairment or another. Well over 4,000 clients have been issued with hearing aids by the Audiology Department since 1976. Children and adults with hearing impairment encounter serious communication difficulties which can lead to disadvantages at home, school, work and in the community. An association to help alleviate these was therefore set up in 1995 consisting of: Jersey Society for the Deaf. Jersey Society for Deaf Children & Young Adults. Citibank. Department of Health & Social Services. This culminated in the Centre being opened in 1995 by the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache. The Centre's facilities are available to all, without referral, and it is hoped that the needs of all residents of Jersey with hearing impairment will be met at some point. Services Provided The Centre provides a focus for both public and voluntary organisations as well as professionals. Services are not limited to, but include the following: Library of Information to improve the quality of life for people with hearing impairments. Working displays of environmental aids. A comprehensive library of books and videos. Counselling and information for parents who have a child with a permanent hearing impairment. Teaching communication skills: British Sign Language. Lip reading. Deaf Awareness. Communication Tactics. Deaf Community & Culture. A meeting place for groups and individuals. Training sessions for: Volunteers. Link Nurses. Careers advice. Guidance and Employment. Speech & Language Therapy. Audiology clinics. Advice on In-The-Ear Aids or Digital Aids. Sale of hearing aid batteries. Tinnitus Relaxation Classes. A base for the Home Visit Support Scheme. Professional Input The following Department's resources are available through the Hearing Resource Centre: Social Work Department. Audiology Department. Speech & Language Therapy. Education Department. Department of Health & Social Services. Hearing Resource Centre Support Scheme The Hearing Resource Centre Support Scheme is designed to provide trained volunteers who are linked with the Audiology Department and other organisations. These volunteers have on understanding of hearing impairment, many being hearing impaired themselves, who can help people in their own homes or at the Centre. Volunteers are trained to provide: Advice and encouragement. Support for those having difficulty in becoming accustomed to a new hearing aid. Minor repairs, cleaning, battery provision for those unable to visit the Audiology Department. Information about environmental aids, tinnitus and lip-reading classes. Staffing The Centre is staffed by a part time Co-ordinator and Administrator with a team of trained volunteers. The training is carried out in the Centre by the Senior Audiologist and the Social Worker for the Deaf and is tailored to suit the individual's available time. The staffing of the Centre is organised to allow the volunteer to specify the days and times they can give and the tasks they are willing to carry out. There is always a need for more volunteers who are interested in working in this area. Opening Hours A full programme of events is displayed on page 275 of CTV teletext service. The Centre is open every morning from 9am until 12pm for batteries, retubing and advice. Classes Lip reading classes are held at the Centre on four 2 hourly sessions throughout the week. Referral is through the Audiology Department on 622551. British Sign Language, Deaf Awareness, Communication Tactics and Deaf Community & Culture are organised by Highlands College. For more information and to reserve your place, contact Highlands on tel 861252 or fax 862790. Group Meeting Times The Deaf Club is held at the Arts Centre and the Hard of Hearing Drop In Club is based at the Hearing Resource Centre. All visitors are welcome to join in the activities of either of the clubs. Drop-In Sessions A senior audiologist from the General Hospital will be on duty at the Centre on: Wednesdays: 9.00am - 10.30am. 1st Saturday of the month: 9.00am - 12.00pm. for free hearing tests and advice. How To Find The Centre The Centre is located within the grounds of Overdale Hospital, Westmount, St Helier. Further details on all activities can be obtained by phoning or faxing 622756. TOP