LINK CENTRE FOR DEAFENED
PEOPLEThe Link Centre for Deafened People aims to improve communication,
adjustment and confidence for adults who develop hearing loss by providing
rehabilitation courses for the patient and their family or close friends. Link
courses are helpful both to those with a hearing loss and to partners of
someone with a hearing loss. People come from all over the country and are of
all ages and backgrounds; some have lost their hearing suddenly while others
have had a gradual loss. Features of Link's services are as follows. - Link runs week-long courses for people who have lost most, or all of their
hearing as adults.
- Link offers help and assistance with all aspects of everyday life.
- Link can help relatives and friends understand deafness.
- Link is for anyone in the UK, and courses are free of charge.
Between eight and twelve people usually attend a course. So that everyone
can follow what is being said, things are either written down on a large board
at the front of the room or the writing is projected onto a screen. Pen and
paper are always to hand. The atmosphere at Link is relaxed, informal and
friendly. Each session lasts no longer than 45 minutes and their are plenty of
breaks throughout the day. There is ample opportunity to talk over issues of
particular concern with staff on a one to one basis. Most of the tutors are
deafened or live with a deafened person so they understand the problems you are
facing. After the Link week, the centre provides information about services in your
area. This may include how to get access to hearing therapy, a tinnitus clinic,
social services or where to get help with balance. Link can pass on contact
names and addresses for lip-reading classes and further assistance regarding
employment. Letters and telephone calls are always welcome however often or infrequent.
They may concern queries for information and advice, or Link staff can be
simply someone to talk to. The Centre is always open to visitors. Often
friendships are built between fellow course participants leading to long term
contact and support. If you wish, the centre can put you in touch with people
who have come to Link in the past and live in your local area.
Link Centre for Deafened People
19 Hartfield Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 2AR  01323 638230 (Voice / Minicom)
 01323 642968
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