SCORES of residents attended a roadshow that raised awareness of free servies for deaf people in Southampton.

Now the organisations belonging to the Deaf Access Partnership for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are thanking everyone who supported the first in a series of community roadshows.

The purpose of the ‘Services For Your Senses’ roadshow was to raise awareness of the free services available in each area for the predicted increasing numbers of people who are deaf, deafened, deafblind or hard of hearing.

Southampton was the location for the inaugural event, which was hosted in Barclays on Above Bar Street with support from management and staff at the bank.

Professionals with a diverse range of skills met and communicated with dozens of people visiting Barclays, providing information about the free services available and improving our understanding of how any form of deafness or hearing loss affects a person’s life and wellbeing.

Organisations on show included Hampshire Constabulary; Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service; Action on Hearing Loss; Southampton City Council; Hampshire County Council; InHealth Audiology; Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; Care Management Group; deafPLUS; and Barclays.

The numbers of people living with hearing loss in the city is projected to increase to 36,000 by 2019. This would represent an increase of more than 2,000 based on estimates for the city in 2014, when the estimated numbers were 33,500.

Deaf Access Partnership chairman, Inspector Gabe Snuggs from Hampshire Constabulary said: “I’m pleased our first roadshow had a positive impact on people’s knowledge and opinions of the free support available from experienced professionals in the public, private, charity and voluntary sectors.

“Colleagues and supporters appreciated the opportunity to consolidate a closer working relationship, giving co-ordinated services focused on finding correct solutions for anybody’s individual experiences of living with deafness or hearing loss. This support can include BSL communication with one of our Link officers, a referral to a professional audiologist, and the installation of sensory smoke detection equipment.

“Our thanks to everyone who attended and shared their insights into how deafness or hearing loss has a bearing upon their daily routines, decisions and lifestyle.

“We’re confident this sets a firm foundation for further roadshows to be held in other parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight where all of us are committed to enabling access to our services.”