THE Deafness Resource Centre, which offers support for people with hearing loss, is celebrating after being awarded a grant of £56,766 from The Steve Morgan Foundation.

The Deafness Resource Centre, on Dentons Green Lane, is an independent charity working for the benefit of D/deaf* people in St Helens, Halton and the wider region.

Their mission is to create an environment in which people who are deaf or have hearing problems have access to services and opportunities that facilitate informed choices and decisions, increased independence and respect.

They provide a range of specialist services, one of which is the advocacy service, which offers support and guidance, access to information in appropriate formats, awareness and information forums and opportunities to meet other people affected by deafness.

Helen Fitzgerald, chief officer of the Deafness Resource Centre, said: “This award means we can continue to offer a vital service for a very vulnerable and isolated group of our community.

“Deafness is a hidden disability with complex needs, and having an advocate on side can have a tremendous impact on a D/deaf person’s ability to live their life to their full potential.”

Ruth Turner, advocacy officer, said: “I was delighted to learn of this award, as it means I can continue to provide one to one advocacy for existing and new clients.

“The people I advocate for will continue to have support to express their views and wishes, and have their interests represented.

“One to one advocacy gives them equal access to information and services and enables them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.”

Ashley Lewis, trustee of the Steve Morgan Foundation, added: “The Deafness Resource Centre is an excellent charity doing valuable work and making a real difference to the lives of the people they help.

“The Trustees had no hesitation in granting funding for the advocacy officer post.”

*D/deaf refers to people who are completely deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind.