HOUSING chiefs have appointed a charity to help them look after deaf people in the Chester area.
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) will work with Deafness Support Network (DSN) to boost their understanding of the challenges facing people with hearing problems.
Volunteers will provide a full range of training, advice and support services to managers and tenants and DSN experts will undertake regular visits to CDHT premises to discuss specific needs.
Spokesman for CDHT, Julia Nundy, said: “CDHT is committed to meeting the needs and aspirations of all our residents.
“Improved understanding of the needs of deaf people can help avoid potential difficulties and misunderstanding.
“This new partnership with DSN will enable us to provide an enhanced level of service to tenants with a significant hearing loss.”
It was DSN’s success in resolving a communication issue between a deaf tenant, neighbours and managers that prompted CDHT to ask the charity to run a 12-month pilot support programme. The pilot came to an end last month and a partnership has now been agreed.
DSN operations executive Gill Reeder said: “We’re delighted to have established this relationship and look forward to adding some real value to the well-being and understanding of CDHT’s tenants.”