Members of a charity supporting deaf people across the borough were taught key life saving skills at a health workshop.

Harrow United Deaf Club hosted its health forum and first aid workshop yesterday at the Bridge community centre, in Christchurch Avenue, Harrow.

Guest speaker at the event was a deaf motorcyclist, paramedic Richard Webb Stevens, from the London Ambulance Service, who taught members key life saving skills such as CPR.

Harrow Borough Council's cabinet member for health Anne Whitehead also attended the event and addressed members about how the authority and other services were aiming to improve deaf awareness among staff.

Club president Asif Iqbal said: “It is crucial for health services to consult and engage with our members to ensure deaf people’s needs are met.

“I have heard and seen so many horrific stories of deaf people being neglected or delayed within the health services and this is not good for their health and well-being.

“Under the Equality Act and Human Rights Act, it is the responsibility of health services to ensure accessibility and we will continue to work with Harrow Council and Harrow NHS to achieve this.

“Having  a deaf paramedic is a positive role model for all and enables our members to learn first-hand about first aid.

“Many hearing people including our councillors were fascinated by Richard’s presentation and supportive of our call for better communication and access to health services.

“We will continue to run thematic sessions at our monthly deaf club to promote better awareness and work in partnership with other organisations and services.”

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