Hearing loss is a hidden disability affecting around 87,500 people in Oxfordshire. And like the disability it serves, Oxford Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre is hidden away, despite being in the centre of bustling Oxford city.

Hearing loss brings with it a whole range of communication issues as it can become harder to understand and talk to people, leading to a feeling of isolation. As part of Deaf Awareness Week (May 7-13), Deaf Direct Oxford, a charity housed at the Centre, is holding an Awareness Day. It’s for people who have relatives, friends or colleagues who are deaf or hard of hearing to raise awareness of deaf people’s lives and their communication needs. Talks, exhibitions, workshops and free lunch are all on the agenda for the special event on Thursday, May 10.

Alexy Dury, centre co-ordinator, said: “The right communication is key for deaf people to ensure they don’t feel excluded or confused.

“It is important to get your message across to connect and to be understood, such as using gestures, body movements, miming, facial expressions, or writing brief messages on paper and mobile phones.”

Both Deaf Direct and Oxford Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre provide free advice and information on issues surrounding hearing loss, including dedicated support workers and interpreters to help people get on with day to day living.

At the heart of the two charities is the desire to promote equality without barriers or prejudice for deaf and hard of hearing people, and to be inclusive for all ages to help avoid the isolation often associated with deafness. In particular there is a range of support and social activities for families and carers to help hard of hearing people to remain included and socially active.

The Awareness Day will be held 10am-4pm at the Oxford Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre, hidden away at St Ebbes, Oxford, OX1 1RL near Westgate Shopping Centre. To register your place or for more information, telephone 01865 243 447, email alexandrad@deafdirect.org.uk or text: 01865 722 209. Visit www.deafdirect.org.uk for further information on Deaf Direct.