Most of those suitable for this service will have had substantial hearing impairment since an early age. Many of these will use a sign language, such as British Sign Language (BSL), as their primary communication method and may also consider themselves as belonging to a distinct Deaf culture. However, the essential requirement is whether or not they are likely to benefit from the care provided by the service. As a guide, the presence of the following factors suggests that a person may be suitable for this service:
• Deaf men who are of working age
• Evidence of/suspected mental health problems (including mental illness, learning disability, brain injury, autistic spectrum conditions and personality disorder)
• Evidence of risk to others such that they can only be managed in conditions of medium security
• Detained/eligible for detention under the Mental Health Act (MHA)
• Hearing impairment.
More information contact Dr Simon Gibbon on 01604 616729 (Typetalk 18001 01604 606729) or email sgibbon@standrew.co.uk