THE leader of a project providing support to Herefordshire's deaf community says funding cuts have left it struggling to survive.

Barnabas Deaf and Community Support Service has been running for less than 18 months but has been hit by local government cuts which has led to the reduction in free support given to those with hearing problems.

The project was launched by Pam Newman who says group members are now struggling with day-to-day activities because of the cuts.

"Our project aims to provide support for our deaf community by developing and offering a service to them," she said.

"We offer a number of drop-in sessions at different venues, where they [members] can bring any issues they may have, and we can then provide them with individual one to one support there and then, or by providing someone who can provide a communication link.

"This very often needs to be a person who is proficient in British Sign Language who can support them when they have to make any contact with organisations and advice services."

Mrs Newman said many who attend have difficulty understanding and writing important letters, while others require support when attending appointments at doctors or opticians.

"Many need help with understanding written material, understanding instructions regarding medication, as many deaf people do not read or write well," she said.

"Their grammar is often reversed as they directly interpret their language. They write as they would sign."

The free service is held at various venues, including St Barnabus Church Hall on Venns Lane in Hereford.

The support is via drop-in sessions and one-to-one support.

"This is a valuable service that has improved the lives of the clients who access the service," said Mrs Newman.

"We have had very positive feedback from clients and their families; saying how much the service has improved the confidence and wellbeing of the clients.

"The service is currently looking for funding to carry on this valuable work."

The service is held each Tuesday between 10am and noon at St Barnabus Church, each Wednesday at St Peter's Church in Hereford from 9.30am to 11.30am, fortnightly at the St John Ambulance Unit on Leominster Enterprise Park on Fridays between 1pm and 3pm and on the fourth Wednesday of the month between 2pm and 3.30pm at Ludlow Methodist Church's garden room.

Mrs Newman said she requires £14,800 in funding this year to maintain the service.

Funding last year from various organisations totalled £17,600.

For more information, email barnabasdeafservice@gmail.com