People in Dorset who are Deaf/deaf, hard of hearing or living with both sight and hearing loss can access specialist support to help them stay safe, independent and connected.

The theme for this week’s Deaf Awareness Week has focussed on breaking down barriers to accessibility, celebrating the many ways Deaf people communicate and highlighting the richness of Deaf culture.

Millbrook provides specialist sight and hearing rehabilitation services on behalf of Dorset Council and supports people with hearing impairments, sight loss or dual sensory loss. This helps them to remain independent at home and encourage them to become active in their communities.

Millbrook has teams based in Dorchester and Blandford but supports residents across the Dorset Council area. People do not need a formal referral and can contact the service directly on 033 300 300 10 or sightandhearing@millbrookhelathcare.co.uk

Referrals also come from family members, carers, GPs, community and voluntary organisations, community Interpreters for the Deaf and Dorset Council teams.

Following personalised assessments by phone, video call (including British Sign Language) or face‑to‑face visits, a tailored plan is created. This focusses on practical skills, confidence and the right equipment to make everyday life easier and safer.

Millbrook Healthcare has two dedicated officers trained in British Sign Language who specialise in home‑based support. Advice is also available on specialist equipment, including:

• alert systems for doorbells, phones and smoke alarms linked to vibrating and or flash alerts
• amplified phones and personal amplifiers to improve sound clarity, and
• TV listening devices to enhance audio

The importance of community connection was highlighted this week at a Millbrook coffee morning at the Pavilion in the Park (PiP) Café in Poundbury, Dorchester. Attendees are members of the Dorset Deaf Activities Group, which was set up after two profoundly deaf women who use British Sign Language to communicate were struggling in isolation but with a shared passion for upcycling were brought by Millbrook to work together,

Members shared how isolation can affect them, but that being with others builds confidence, friendships and problem‑solving. One member said:

“Coming together in this group is good for my mental health. I know I will fit in with the others and not feel isolated.”

The group, which has around 30 members, has been involved in a range of courses including wood-work, painting, pottery, basket-weaving, poetry in BSL and visits across Dorset to enhance involvement in nature. Most members have been Deaf since birth although some have lost hearing more recently.

Attendees highlighted what would make life easier for Deaf people, including more people learning British Sign Language, clearer face‑to‑face communication, and public services using texts, short bullet pointed emails and video calls in BSL instead of long letters/forms.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said there is always more we can all do to make life easier for people with hearing loss

“Deaf Awareness Week is about us listening, understanding and removing those everyday barriers. With the right support, people can stay independent, feel confident and live full lives in their own homes and communities.

“Our partners, Millbrook Healthcare, provide specialised support and rehabilitation services, tailored to help maintain independence at home and in the community.

“Whether you are seeking more information and support for yourself or a family member, please reach out to Millbrook, they are there to help you get the support that suits you.”

BSL interpretation service

To make contacting the council easier, Dorset Council offers SignVideo, a free British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting service. SignVideo can be used online or during face‑to‑face visits at council offices, helping people communicate independently and access services in a way that works for them.

Deaf residents who use BSL can contact the council by video call, with a qualified interpreter relaying the conversation in real time between the customer and a council advisor.