A PARTNERSHIP of Hampshire organisations are vying to take action following a sharp rise in the number of deaf people living in the city.

Figures from charity Action for Hearing Loss show that the number of Southampton residents living with hearing loss will rise by more than 2,500 from 33,500 in 2014 to 36,000 by 2019.

Consequently, the Hampshire Deaf Access Partnership is putting on an awareness event on Friday, October 20 at the Above Bar Street branch of Barclays in Southampton from 10am until 3pm to highlight the free services available in Southampton for people who are deaf, deafblind, deafened or hard of hearing.

Inspector Gabe Snuggs, chairwoman of the Hampshire Deaf Access Partnership, said: “We’re proud and delighted to support this opportunity to raise awareness of the support available in a direct personalised way.

“Creating and maintaining full access to policing for deaf people is an integral part of our principles and planning for equality and inclusion in our workplaces and the communities we serve.”

Laura Cane-Andrews, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service community safety officer, added: "Having a hearing impairment does not mean you are at higher risk of having a fire.

"However it does mean you need to ensure you have the correct equipment to alert you in the event of a fire, and for requesting assistance: If you are deaf, or a little hard of hearing, would you hear your smoke alarms in the day and at night?

"If not you should consider a sensory alarm system, to alert you in the event of a fire.

"If you cannot verbally communicate or have difficulty hearing on the phone, consider registering for the SMS 999 service."

The partnership consists of 11 organisations including Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Constabulary, Barclays, and non-profit charity Hearing Dogs.

The charity aims to help people who are deaf, deafblind, deafened or hard of hearing to have full access to a range of hearing services.