Miss-Delectable
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http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/ne...57349.0.new_scheme_to_benefit_deaf_people.php
A NEW scheme to aid Watford's deaf community has been launched at The Harlequin shopping centre.
Throughout December and January, the centre will use a team of four volunteer communicators to offer free of charge, signed access for deaf people.
The communicators will meet the deaf client at a prearranged location and offer one-to-one support for a period of up to an hour, in a bid to break down any communication barriers.
The scheme is the brainchild of Heather Thompson, from Chorleywood, who started signing four years ago to help members of the congregation at her local church.
When Heather realised that shopping is not always easy for deaf people, she decided to do something about it.
She said: "I am aware that shopping is not always as simple as putting things in a basket or paying at a till.
"Sometimes you may have to talk to the sales assistant or ask for advice.
"If there are communication difficulties, shopping can become a frustrating experience.
"I have been affected by some of the stories I hear from some sign language users who cannot lip read and how much pressure they face."
Heather approached the Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy with her idea, who made contact with the shopping centre.
The managers of the shopping centre liked the idea and set about putting it into action.
A team of four volunteer communicators will offer their services on Thursday nights, working in two groups.
Each group of two will be available on alternate weeks, meaning if all the slots are booked on a Thursday, six deaf people could be supported each week.
The service will need to be pre-booked, which can be done by contacting the Customer Services Desk by fax on 01923 223196, or voice/typetalk on 01923 227438.
A NEW scheme to aid Watford's deaf community has been launched at The Harlequin shopping centre.
Throughout December and January, the centre will use a team of four volunteer communicators to offer free of charge, signed access for deaf people.
The communicators will meet the deaf client at a prearranged location and offer one-to-one support for a period of up to an hour, in a bid to break down any communication barriers.
The scheme is the brainchild of Heather Thompson, from Chorleywood, who started signing four years ago to help members of the congregation at her local church.
When Heather realised that shopping is not always easy for deaf people, she decided to do something about it.
She said: "I am aware that shopping is not always as simple as putting things in a basket or paying at a till.
"Sometimes you may have to talk to the sales assistant or ask for advice.
"If there are communication difficulties, shopping can become a frustrating experience.
"I have been affected by some of the stories I hear from some sign language users who cannot lip read and how much pressure they face."
Heather approached the Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy with her idea, who made contact with the shopping centre.
The managers of the shopping centre liked the idea and set about putting it into action.
A team of four volunteer communicators will offer their services on Thursday nights, working in two groups.
Each group of two will be available on alternate weeks, meaning if all the slots are booked on a Thursday, six deaf people could be supported each week.
The service will need to be pre-booked, which can be done by contacting the Customer Services Desk by fax on 01923 223196, or voice/typetalk on 01923 227438.