West Norfolk Deaf Association has new leaders and a revamp
West Norfolk Deaf Association has come out of lockdown with new faces at the helm, refurbished and updated premises and plenty of ideas for connecting with the community again.
Anna Pugh was appointed as manager early in the year and brings with her more than 40 years of experience of working with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
She said:”We are excited to restart our work in the community with our fabulous team of volunteers to support NHS hearing aid wearers to make the most of their technology and communication skills. We have also just opened an earwax removal service, and relaunched the website."
Anna, a consultant hearing therapist audiologist, now leads the team which also includes Chris Griggs, new hearing support co-ordinator.
They have overseen the complete refurbishment of the Deaf Centre, in Railway Road, which has been redecorated and updated to make it more attractive and accessible to visitors and has private areas which were not available before.
Anna said that they have developed new service and clubs from the Men's Club to the children's Saturday Breakout Club. They also have their first ever Deaf Swimming Club, a gardening project and CHAT (conversation, hearing aids and tea) clubs.
She added that the WNDA Bookshop at Downham has been progressed to the finals for the Muddy Stilettos Award for Best Bookshop and the Association is working with local retailers and employers like Morrisons to raise awareness of deafness and the need for good communication.