Redrow’s Chris Edwards visits Hartford Lipreading Group to discover how a donation from the Hartford Community Fund is being used.

A group giving deaf and hard of hearing Hartford residents the confidence to face social interaction, has received a funding boost from Redrow.

The homebuilder has donated £1,000 from its Hartford Community Fund to help the Hartford Lipreading Group provide a lifeline for members who are hard of hearing or deaf, despite having assistance with aids or cochlear implants.

The not for profit group, with 17 active members, said activity which the funds will support, will help combat loneliness and gives participants ‘confidence in social situations’.

Christine Stalker, group secretary of the Lipreading Group, said: “Our classes benefit the community by providing a lifeline to communication to any adult who has a hearing loss.

“The skills we learn enable us to feel part of the community, to form friendships and avoid feelings of social isolation. Members currently include hearing spouses who want to support their families and friends.

“The grant of £1,000 from Redrow will helps us meet the shortfall between our income and expenditure and ensure the continuation of our classes until we gain more members.”

Catherine Walker, Group Secretary Christine Stalker, Gareth Curwell, & Bobbie Lovett with Chris Edward from Redrow.

Since 2016 Redrow has directly invested more than £20,000 in the Hartford community via voluntary funds to support local projects. It’s the second time the Lipreading Group has received funding from the homebuilder. 

Caroline Thompson-Jones, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (NW), said: “The Lipreading Group is one of a number of projects in Hartford we have invested in to boost the local community.

“We were impressed with the social bonding members can enjoy and the hard work of the group who provide such a valuable service for those who suffer with hearing loss.

“We were pleased to be able to play our part in helping fund the group to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Find out more about Redrow’s homes in Hartford via the website www.redrow.co.uk/hartfordgrange.

Issued for & on behalf of Redrow