Hearing loss and deafness can affect people in many different ways. For example, you may be worried because you are gradually losing your hearing or have constant ringing in your ears; or you may have been deaf from birth. Whatever your situation, there is help and support available for you in Sandwell.

The Deaf Team in Adult and Community Services aims to help you to adapt to your hearing loss and maintain your independence.

If you are having problems with your hearing or balance you should make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss what help is available

What is the Deaf Team?

The Deaf Team works with Sandwell Deaf Community Association (SDCA) to provide services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Our services include social work, development, welfare rights and information.

A welfare rights adviser from the Welfare Rights Service is at the Deaf Resource Centre once a week. They can help you to find out about benefits that you may be able to claim, and help you to claim them.

An independent deaf advocacy worker, employed by the SDCA, is based at the centre. Their job is to support you so you can tell people what you want and need. They can come with you to appointments, and help you to make your point of view clear.

What does the Deaf Team do?

We will listen to what you have to say. We will help you to get the support you need to make things easier for you.

Our social worker will assess your needs and prepare a care plan with you. A care plan means that we work out together what support you need to live independently. You will be given a copy of the plan in a form that you can understand.

When we assess you we look at all your needs, not just the ones that are because of your deafness. We will help you to find services to help you live independently.

We enable you to communicate with other people and not become isolated.

What services may be available?

• A break for you and your carer.
• Day centres – places you can go to during the day to take part in social and leisure activities.
• Services that help with personal care.
• Direct payments, to help you pay for care services and equipment.

We can put you in touch with other organisations that can help you.

Should I register as deaf or hard of hearing?

We keep a register of people with disabilities in our area. This is the law. You do not have to register, but it is a good idea to do so if you would like:

• A cheaper rail or bus pass.
• A holiday grant.
• A leisure pass so that you pay less for activities at leisure centres.

The register tells us how many people have disabilities and what those disabilities are. This helps us plan services for Sandwell people.

Are there any support groups?

The Sandwell Deaf Community Association (SDCA) works closely with us at the Deaf Resource Centre. It provides many social activities and groups that may interest you. These include:

• Positive Deaf health group.
• Deaf Action group.
• Women's group.
• Hard of hearing groups.
• Deafblind group.
• Young adults group.
• Regular social events during the day and in the evenings.

You may want to go along to one of the groups to meet other people who are having similar experiences to you, and to have fun. For further information contact the Deaf Resource Centre.

More information

You can download our booklet called Services for Sensory Impairment or ask us for a copy.

Who do I contact?

Deaf Resource Centre,
Dagger Lane,
West Bromwich, B71 4BB

Tel: 0121 525 5347 Textphone: 0121 525 3092
Fax: 0121 580 3088
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 5:30pm. Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Bus route 640.