The service is open for all deaf/Deaf children and adults as well as those who are Hard of Hearing. It has been set up to ensure that a Duty Service provided in Birmingham will now be available and accessible to those living in Solihull.

The Duty Service is held on the first Friday of every month from 10.30 am until 1 pm, and is situated in the D.I.A.L premises located in The Parade shopping centre in Kingshurst. 
At present appointments are not needed but can be made if it is of benefit. You can contact Claire on 0121 770 0333 on the first Friday of every month or visit D.I.A.L who will contact Claire on your behalf.

Claire Holder is the Duty Officer and is available to assist those wanting help and advice. As with the Duty Service in Birmingham, Claire will be able to complete referrals both within bid services and to any appropriate outside agencies, as well as offering advice and information.

Claire Holder is a Care Manager within the Care Management Team at bid services and has currently been in this role for 3 years Claire has 10 years experience of working with the Deaf Community both within residential and community settings, and can communicate competently using British Sign Language.

Since the Duty Service commenced Claire has been successful in developing good links with D.I.A.L and they will frequently contact her with queries for advice in between her visiting.
Claire has also worked closely with D.I.A.L staff in assisting clients to appeal against benefit decisions when going through the tribunal process, in both circumstances the clients were successfully awarded higher rates of Disability Living Allowance.

During the length of time Claire has been delivering this service it has been accessed by both Deaf and Hard of Hearing members of the community for many reasons including advice on benefits, accessing community facilities, accessing and booking health appointments, BSL classes, requests for environmental equipment and hearing aid batteries. For most of the clients they acknowledge that it is nice to be able to meet with Claire who is aware of their difficulties and gives them an appropriate opportunity to offload any concerns they have.