A SPECIALLY adapted bus which provides invaluable help and advice for people with hearing and visual impairment will be making regular trips around the West Devon area during the next few months.
Friends, neighbours and families are also welcome to make use of the West Devon Mobile Resource Unit, which has a regular timetable in the area.
The unit, which has a tail-lift for people unable to manage steps, is manned by trained staff who understand the effects of hearing and sight loss and can provide support and advice.
There is a comprehensive range of equipment to address everyday difficulties, for example, hearing the doorbell or telephone, reading newspapers or recipes and labelling. The equipment is available for demonstration, trial or loan and training can be given in its use.
The unit also offers simple maintenance of NHS hearing aids, for example, batteries and re-tubing.
In addition, there is a wide range of literature and information on services available locally and nationally and help in coping with problems associated with hearing and visual impairment.
Sensory awareness training can also be provided for businesses, employers, residential homes, clubs and schools.
The mobile resource unit is available for hire for exhibitions, open days or fetes and can be booked in advance
The timetable for the unit is Bere Alston parish car park, second Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm-3pm; Chagford town square, third Monday of the month, 10.30am-1.30pm; the London Inn at Horrabridge, second Wednesday of the month, 12pm-1pm; Downs Garage at Mary Tavy, fourth Tuesday of the month, 10am-noon; North Tawton Town Hall, third Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon; Okehampton Post Office, third Thursday of the month, 1pm-3pm; Bedford Square in Tavistock, fourth Thursday of the month, 10am-3.30pm; Harewood House in Tavistock, second Wednesday of the month, 9.30am-11.30am and the Rock Methodist Chapel in Yelverton, fourth Tuesday of the month, 1pm-3pm.
For more information about the West Devon Mobile Resource Unit, call co-ordinator Graham Morford on 01392 386669.