British Sign Language Week: 18th-24th March

 

At DRC we celebrate SLW with the British Deaf Association, which has chosen the theme of ‘Promoting BSL and ISL as indigenous languages of the UK’.

Learn British Sign Language

 

NEW COURSE!

Level 1:  Starting Monday 15th April 2024: 6pm-8pm 

Book now, places go fast!

 

Events

 

Make sure to check our page frequently for updates on the newest events and activities happening at DRC

 

Brand New Events for 2024!

 

Support & Social Groups

We run various support groups including Tinnitus, Hard of Hearing and social groups

 

 

 

Interpreters & Communication

Under the Equality Act 2010 D/deaf people have the right to acess services equally to someone who is hearing.

Our Language Service Professionals are experienced in the following settings: medical appointments, general meetings, specialist i.e. legal, mental health settings, school settings and conferences.

Youth Club

 

Every 1st Wednesday on the month: 6:30 – 8pm

 

Join us for our monthly face-to-face youth club for young people aged 8-16yrs.  Lots of fun, activities and a great opportunity to meet new people and socialise.

 

Room Hire

 

Did you you we have various size rooms in which you can hire.

From large hall, ideal for events, clubs and more to our social lounge room and training rooms.  We have it covered.

 

Welcome to The Deafness Resource Centre in St Helens

At The Deafness Resource Centre (DRC), we are dedicated to providing support, resources, and services to individuals who are D/deaf*, as well as their families and friends. Our centre is a hub of information, assistance, & community for the D/deaf population in St. Helens, Halton, Knowsley and the surrounding areas.

Our mission is to empower individuals with hearing loss to live fulfilling and independent lives. We understand the unique challenges faced by the D/deaf community, and we strive to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in all aspects of life.

What sets us apart is our team of experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference. Our staff members are both D/deaf and hearing, who are also fluent in sign language and have extensive knowledge and expertise in various areas related to deafness. Whether you need advice on communication strategies, assistive technology, or access to education and employment opportunities, our team is here to help.

*D/deaf is a collective term used to describe people who are profoundly deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind.

 

Home page information in BSL

Below is a brief overview of the deaf services and support we offer.  

Information and Advice

We provide up-to-date information on a wide range of topics related to deafness, including communication methods, technology, legal rights, and more. Our knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance tailored to your specific needs.  Get in touch with us.

Social & Recreational Activities

We believe in the importance of building a strong community. That’s why we organise social events, outings, and recreational activities where individuals with hearing loss can connect, share experiences, and have fun together. Read more here.

Children & Family Services

We believe that every child deserves a world of opportunity.  Our dedicated Children and Families Team is committed to providing unparalleled support and resources for families with D/deaf children or CODA’s (Children of Deaf Adults). Read more here.

Advocacy & Support

We advocate for the rights and needs of the D/deaf community, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected. Read more here.

We also offer support groups for Tinnitus and Hard of Hearing Social Groups. Read more here.

Deaf Awareness Training & BSL Courses

We offer Accredited Level 1 and Level 2 British Sign Language Courses and D/deaf Awareness Training sessions to enhance communication skills, and promote D/deaf awareness.  Training is available to individuals, organisations, school and groups.  We also offer bespoke D/deaf Awareness Training so please contact us with your requirements. Read more here.

Communication Support

We offer sign language interpretation services for various situations. Our interpreters are fully qualified, experienced interpreters and ensure effective communication between D/deaf and hearing individuals. Read more here.

We also offer Free equipment and up to date technology aids to support you in your independence.  Please contact us if you would like an Assessment. Read more here.

Help support the work of the Deafness Resource Centre

We need your help so we can continue the valuable work the Deafness Resource Centre provides for D/deaf people.
If you would like to make a donation, please click on the Just Giving link.

Latest News

“DRC aim to deliver high quality services that empower, enable and support the D/deaf community”

 

How many people did we support across St Helens, Halton and Knowsley during 2022-2023?

Let us show you

Advocacy Interventions

People attended Tinnitus Support Groups

Interpreter Bookings

Families received indepth Family Support

People received specialised equipment

2-18year olds participated in Ican Sign Programme

Families that completed 6 week Family Sign Course

%

Pass rate of students who completed Level 1 BSL

People attended Hard of Hearing Support Groups

Deaf Awareness Sessions delivered

“Hi I have just got back from the deaf awareness half day delivered by staff at the Deafness Resource Centre. I just want to say it is the best and most valuable 4 hrs I have ever spent in a classroom. The delivery was absolutely brilliant. I can’t say I will be the most prolific signer the trust will have but I will certainly continue to practise it and hopefully be able to welcome patients from the deaf community who choose to sign in their own language.

Many thanks”

Staff Nurse – Whiston Hospital

BSL Courses | Deaf Awareness Training

We offer Level 1 & Level 2 Accredited British Sign Language Course with Signature

We also offer Deaf Awareness Training across the North West… 

Communication Service

Our Language Service Professionals are experienced in the following settings: medical appointments, general meetings, specialist…

Downloads & Useful Links

From referral forms, application forms, resources, useful links and more…

Equipment Services

 If you live in St Helens, Halton or Knowsley, you may be eligible to receive FREE equipment to aid you with your hearing loss…

Room Hire

We have a number of rooms available for meetings, events, seminars, and social groups…

Support Groups

We hold regular Hard of Hearing Social Groups and Support Groups for people living with Tinnitus…

“I don’t know where we would be without the Deafness Resource Centre. They have helped us as a family immensely".

 

 “For me, as a carer, the DRC are always there. I know I can ring or email any time for help and advice. The Deafness Resource Centre is a lifeline for many families and I am grateful that it is here.”

 

"I'm happy that I made that first step, and what a difference it has made to me. "

 

 “Hearing loss for me makes me feel lonely in a room full of people, as I was missing so much of conversation. From the moment I met the DRC staff in the Halton Sensory Service office, they were welcoming, understanding and provided not only practical help with additional equipment to make life easier, but also advised me on support groups for Hearing loss, and Tinnitus”.

 

Following returning from the young people's residential weekend

 

“Matthew had a fabulous time, and gained so much confidence using BSL – many thanks for this opportunity. It was brilliant thank you for this opportunity”

A Decade of Transformation at the Deafness Resource Centre for one young man

 

“My son has been a regular attender at the Deafness Resource Centre (DRC) for 10 years. Initially he started in Happy Hands, then progressed to the youth club, and now is a volunteer helper.”

 

"I stopped going out until DRC helped me with special hearing equipment. Now I'm living my life again!"

 

“I’ve now fully re-engaged with my friends and feel confident going to the pub with my friends. My confidence has grown, and my mental health has greatly improved.”

 

Room Hire: This year we have used the 1st Floor Training Room to run wellbeing courses for adults

“We found the booking process very easy, a warm welcome every week and all at a very reasonable cost. We are very happy with our booking and usage of the premises. We appreciate the friendliness and professionalism of all the staff that we deal with.”

Communication Service:

“All I can say, I am so thankful and really appreciate what you and other members of staff do for the deaf people. Thank you and Bless you all”

Watch Me…

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Our Partners and Supporters

St.Helens info
Deafness Resource Centre, 32 – 40 Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QB
Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm, Friday: 9am – 4pm
01744 23887
Halton info
Halton Sensory Services, 126 Widnes Road, Widnes, WA8
Monday – Friday: 10am – 3pm
0151 511 8801