NEW drop-in sessions for deaf and hard-of-hearing people have begun in Salisbury.

The monthly drop-in is a chance for deaf and hard-of-hearing people to discuss problems they might be experiencing in their daily lives as a result of their hearing loss. Specialist advice and support will also be available on a wide range of issues important to people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Visitors to the drop-in will be able to get advice and information on services provided by the county council's hearing and vision team and some types of specialist assessments can also be carried out where appropriate. A member of the hearing and vision team will be on hand to provide support to help deaf and hard-of-hearing people access other agencies, to ensure that communication and understanding are not problematic for either party.

Help in accessing health and other services and advice in securing interpreters for essential appointments will also be available.

The team can also help people who visit the drop-in to deal with household correspondence and provide advice and information on relevant local, national, voluntary, private and public sector services. Justin Conboy, manager of the Wiltshire county council hearing and vision team, said: "The new drop-in centre will help deaf and hard-of-hearing people get the information and support they need to help them live independent lives.

"A qualified and experienced member of staff will be on hand at each session to provide help and support."

The drop-in will be staffed by a qualified and experienced worker fluent in British Sign Language.

The drop-in sessions take place on the first Tuesday of each month, from 10am to 1pm, at the Deaf Centre, Love Lane, Salisbury. These sessions are for advice and information only.

All queries about equipment can be discussed at the other dropins held at the Independent Living Centre at Semington, Wessex Sight Centre at Salisbury District Hospital and Malmesbury health centre.

Contact the team office either by calling on minicom on 01380 725201, by fax on 01380 731437 or by e-mail at HandV@wiltshire.gov.uk, to confirm times and dates, and if a sign language-user is needed.