A GREAT success ? that was the verdict following the inaugural meeting of a new group aimed at supporting deaf and hard of hearing people in the Tavistock area. Chairman June Wildman said around 30 people attended the Hear Me Now meeting in the Anchorage Centre in Tavistock, which included a presentation by Nicola Way, South West outreach information officer for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf. Mrs Wildman said: ?She also provided a small exhibition of factsheets and equipment which could aid everyday life for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. ?This generated a lot of interest from those present, appreciating the chance to see what could possibly help them personally.? Mrs Wildman said a range of issues were raised at the meeting which would provide topics and further investigation for the group in the coming months. The next Hear Me Now meeting will be held at the Anchorage Centre on March 23, when Graham Morford will show the group the new mobile unit to be used by Devon Social Services in providing services for deaf and blind people in the area. Mrs Wildman said there was also a chance that a lip reading class could be set up in Tavistock in September, if enough people were interested. ?The classes would be free for people who are hearing-impaired and would consist of three terms of eight weeks each, each class of two hour?s duration,? said Mrs Wildman. Anyone who is interested in the lip reading classes or in joining the group should call vice chair Janet Dashper on 01822 614957.
