Those who are Deaf or hard of hearing along with family or carers are encouraged to come along and meet staff from Fife Council’s Deaf Communication Service on Tuesday 8th May 10 am - 1pm Cupar Local Office, County Buildings, Cupar and Wednesday 9th May 1pm - 4pm Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.

As part of Deaf Awareness Week, staff will be on hand to help people find out what practical advice and support is available to anyone living in Fife who is Deaf, Deafblind or who has hearing loss. Support is varied from advice on workplace issues to how to access services and generally improve people’s quality of life at home and work.

The team based in Kirkcaldy, provide a Fife-wide range of support offering information and advice on hearing loss. They can also provide help with improving communication such as interpreting services and, guidance on how to make services accessible. In addition, they can also help employers understand how to support those with hearing loss in the workplace.

It is estimated that as many as 190,000 people experience some degree of hearing loss throughout Edinburgh, Lothian and Fife with approx 600 British Sign Language users in Fife.

Hearing loss can lead to difficulties carrying out every day activities, and in some cases, feelings of isolation, embarrassment and loss of self-esteem.  Jennifer Anderson, Development Worker gives more details on how their services can help:

“Deaf Awareness Week is an ideal time to raise awareness of our services. We can assist on many levels and on both a personal and professional basis.  It is sometimes the simplest things which hearing people take for granted such as reading and writing which Deaf people find difficult because English isn't their first language - it's actually British Sign Language.  Advice & information is also available for hard of hearing people who cannot hear on the phone, tv, smoke alarm or who care for someone at home.

“Please come along to find out more information and meet staff from the service.  We are here to help to give assistance and ensure people get the support they need".