Hard of Hearing Association

The Guernsey Hard of Hearing Association (GHHA) are committed to trying to improve the lives, and offer care and support to everyone who has a hearing problem, and their families. We try to educate the public and support all things that may alleviate deafness. All our fund-raising and donations are spent arranging social events and assisting people with aids to living.

We encourage our members to learn other forms of communication before the ability becomes essential, therefore we support the College of Further Education in their sign language and lip-reading classes.

People with hearing problems don’t always want to be members of a group containing only deaf people and we are very fortunate to have lots of hearing people who join us for various reasons. e.g. relatives and friends of members. Everyone is encouraged to make contact and join in the general conversation, never mind if someone miss-hears or guesses wrongly what has been said, the problems of communication are reduced by the presence of others with the same difficulties. Members feel relaxed and comfortable amongst other people who are using the same methods of communication and taking part in whatever is going on. We try to encourage a sense of belonging and hope that everyone feels important.

We have a specially trained policeman, Mr. Mick Chart, who is a Police Link Officer for the Deaf. (PLOD) - he can use sign language and is a very clear speaker, which makes him ideal for lip-readers. Mick is also part of a ‘caring trio’ composed of Sub-Officer Ian Bent (Fireman) and Joy Battle. (Occupational Therapist and adviser on equipment for physical disabilities).

We are able to utilise the services of the Guernsey Physical and Sensory Disability Team who operate from St Martin’s Community Centre, Rue Maze, St Martins.  Mary Fitzakerly and her team are a group of both Health and Social Service Professionals who work with people who have complex physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries or sensory impairments.  The team includes a Nurse Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and Community Support Worker.  Their aim is to help you to do the most you can to live as independently as possible.  They are also able to provide information about equipment or adaptations that may increase your independence and can arrange the supply of these items.  You can contact the team directly, or someone else can contact them for you either by telephone 230009 or by email mfitzakerly@hssd.gov.gg

 Committee:

• Chairman:  Dr John Toynton
• Secretary:  Edwina Brazier
• Treasurer:  Jamie Toynton

Members: 

• Alf Salmon
• Frances Bilington
• Mary Fitzakerly
• Mike Dene MBE