Birmingham based charity BID Services with Deaf people have been meeting with professionals within the palliative care sector to raise awareness of their Specialist Support Service and how it can support Deaf people during end of life care.

The service, which was established using NHS section 64 funding, provides support to both patients and carers by developing inclusive and accessible channels of communication between all parties involved during end of life care through a supportive and personal approach, as Claire Wade, Service coordinator explains; “My job is to be there for the patient on a more informal level, so they have someone to talk to and to help them understand what is happening more clearly.”

To raise awareness of this new service Claire has been meeting with professionals from hospices and care teams across the Midlands giving a series of presentations about the service and her role. 

The response to the presentations has been very positive and Claire is happy that things are progressing well.  “I have met some great people and we are building a really strong reputation.  People can see the value of our service, the benefits it brings and, although they might not need the service now, they know it is there and that they can access it.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the service, would like to meet Claire or would like her to present to your organisation please contact:

Claire Wade

BID services with Deaf people

Ladywood Rd, Ladywood

Birmingham

B16 8SZ

Tel: 0121 246 6100

Email: claire.wade@bid.org.uk