If you are deaf or hard of hearing and are finding it hard to manage you can get help and support from our Sensory Disabilities Resource Team. They can offer:

  • a social work service
  • equipment for day-to-day living, for example flashing doorbells, telephone amplifiers, television amplifiers and minicom
  • training in communication skills - using British Sign Language or Deaf Blind Manual
  • advice and information on what is available locally, regionally and nationally

Who can have this service?

You should -

  • live in Waltham Forest, and
  • be deaf or hard of hearing and in need of our help, or
  • be caring for someone who lives in Waltham Forest and is deaf or heard of hearing, and
  • have had a Community Care Assessment which shows you need one or more these services

Will I have to pay towards this service?

No. These services are free, although there may be running costs for certain items of equipment.

Who provides this service?

Our Sensory Disabilities Resource Team which is based in Chingford. Ask your Social Services Access Office to be referred.

How to get this service

If you feel this service will help you or the person you are caring for contact one of our local Social Services offices. Staff there will be able to advise you.

If you are having inpatient treatment at Langthorne, Whipps Cross or Chingford hospitals you can ask ward staff to contact hospital-based social workers for you. We can provide interpreters, including a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.

Contact us:

Local Social Services Offices

Please note: Deaf BSL users can access the service in person at the address below, where staff can communicate in sign language -

The Wyemead Centre
5 Oaks Grove
Chingford
London E4 6EY

Other services

Walthamstow Deaf Club
Walthamstow Deaf Club is a club for deaf people and sign language users. They run a range of activities and also sign language workshops. For more information call 020 8524 9362 or click here for a copy of the poster.

Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK is a national charity which provides a range of support services to deafblind adults and their carers. It also campaigns on behalf of deafblind people.