Write a commentThe Southern Health and Social Care Trust have introduced Lip Reading Classes in the area to help clients with a hearing impairment.
The classes provide an introduction to British sign language, fingerspelling, awareness on hearing loss and offer guest speakers from charities including Hearing Link and Action on Hearing Loss.
An eight week introductory programme has already been completed by 12 clients in Newry. Classes will begin in Banbridge on April 12 and will be based in the community room at the local Tesco’s store, a course will then commence in St Luke’s Hospital, Armagh on May 11.
Bernarde Kilgallon and Sinead McElroy, who work in the Sensory Disability team within the Trust are facilitating the classes after qualifying as lip reading teachers last year
Francis Rice, the Southern Trust’s Director of Mental Health and Disability, commented “Lip reading is a vital skill in the rehabilitation of people with a hearing loss. Each class provides more than just a straight theory practice lesson. It provides support, builds confidence and coping strategies for many difficult situations, helping people with hearing issues to improve their ability to communicate with others and enhance their overall quality of life.”
“We would also like to thank Tesco’s for all their help with this programme. They’ve allowed us to host our classes in their community rooms in Banbridge and Newry – free of charge and kindly offered complimentary tea and biscuits.”
Anyone wishing to attend the classes in Banbridge and Armagh will need to be assessed by an Audiologist and a Hearing Aid User beforehand. If you are interested in attending please contact Bernarde Kilgallon on Tel: 028 3741 2364 or Email: Bernarde.Kilgallon@southerntrust.hscni.net
