Some believe the new liason role will not be able to provide the same level of support as a dedicated social worker. Credit: ITV Channel TV
People from Jersey's deaf community in Jersey are unhappy with changes to support provided by the government.
In April, the government's lead support officer for deaf children and adults Angela Goddard was forced into compulsory redundancy but said nobody was going to replace her.
It means that families have had to manage without dedicated support for almost five months.
In a meeting public meeting, Health Minister Richard Renouf announced plans to introduce a new liaison service in addition to a social offering and online technology to help them.
But the move has been criticised by some who believe the new liaison role will not be able to provide the same level of support as was previously given by a dedicated social worker.
Jess has been losing her hearing since she was 15. Her eight-year-old daughter is also profoundly deaf.
Jess Wolanski says the support that the social worker provided was invaluable to herself and her daughter. Credit: ITV Channel TV
She says they both benefited massively from the support of a social worker, leaving them concerned by the changes.
Health Minister Richard Renouf insisted the changes are necessary but admitted that things had not gone as planned.
Health Minister Richard Renouf says social support is still available for families, but there was more need for a liaison advocacy type role. Credit: ITV Channel TV
Peter Le Feuvre sits on the Deaf Partnership Board, an forum of agencies and organisations which provide support to those who are deaf or hearing impaired.
He supports the decision, saying he believes this is an opportunity for the nature of the role to evolve.
Peter Le Feuvre wants to see the role 'de-medicalised' so that it can benefit people across departments. Credit: ITV Channel TV
