Petition seeks funding for lip reading classes

A language lecturer has launched a petition for government funding to support her lip-reading lessons.

Martina Esser teaches lip reading to hearing impaired people but said her lessons had to be paid for privately because her funding bids had been refused.

She said the skill could be vital for the mental health, wellbeing and feeling of inclusion: "Hearing loss is a hidden disability and leads to social isolation as you can't join in with conversations and miss out on funny interactions."

The Department for Work and Pensions said those running lip reading classes could apply for funding from its £1.4bn Adult Skills Fund.

Esser, a former Exeter College staff member, is being supported by Exeter MP Steve Race.

The Labour MP said he was writing to NHS Devon and the government to advocate the "unlocking of funding for groups across the country, so we can roll this out and help a lot more people".

Esser's classes in Devon are run by a not-for-profit community organisation. Those attending said the lessons had provided a crucial boost to their health.

Jenny Evans, from Tiverton, said the group had given her "massive support", adding that sharing the issues faced had helped provide her with solutions.

Clive Hamblin, from Thorverton, said lip reading had helped him "follow and engage in the conversation".

Fiona Humphreys, from Crediton, said she felt the classes should be funded centrally.

She said: "Hearing loss is not something which is understood or appreciated by the rest of society and that's why this is not seen as a health issue. It should be."

NHS Devon said it did not currently commission adult lip-reading classes and was unable to comment on funding arrangements for these courses.

A spokesperson said: "We recognise that hearing loss can have a significant impact on people's daily lives, communication and wellbeing.

"A range of NHS services is available to support people who are deaf or have hearing loss, including assessment, diagnosis and, where appropriate, provision of hearing aids and other clinical support.

"Decisions about the funding of adult learning programmes, including lip-reading classes, are not made by NHS Devon."

The Department for Work and Pensions said lipreading was recognised as a "tailored learning aim" that supported health and wellbeing, social inclusion and confidence building.

A spokesperson said: "We recognise the value of lipreading support in helping people with hearing loss communicate confidently, maintain their independence, and stay connected in their communities.

"Lip-reading provision can be funded through our £1.4bn Adult Skills Fund, which supports a range of non-qualification-based training."

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