A WOMAN who is going deaf has appealed for support in setting up lipreading classes in Accrington.

Angela Jackson, of Kirk Road, Church, says if enough people want the service she will try to find funding and a venue for the classes in the town and around Hyndburn.

The 46-year-old, who has been going progressively deaf for the last eight years, qualified as a lipreading teacher at Manchester University, and says classes are vital to help the hearing impaired conduct normal lives and communicate with people.

"I am speaking from personal experience as I too am going deaf and know the problems associated with that," she said.

Her classes have dwindled from five a week to just one because of a lack of funding, but finding a suitable venue has also proved a problem.

"It's got to be something that will fit a minimum of 15 people in, with a low ceiling because of the sound, and with carpet and curtains. There's a lot that affects it. It can't be something like a hall because it's echoey so it has to be a small room."

Funding would normally come from the Education Department, an NHS trust, or a charity but so far Angela has drawn blanks.

In a typical lesson students learn not only how to lipread but about other forms of communication, and equipment that can make life easier.

"They will be taught the basic British sign alphabet, and about hearing aids and different equipment such as telephones for the hearing impaired," said Angela.

"In a typical lipreading class I use stories, exercises, and quizzes for lipreading practice. I speak with voice and without voice so people can see the differences or similarities in various words, letters and numbers.

"The lesson also covers audiology -- about the different types of equipment available for hearing impaired people to help them cope in their homes and place of work. The group also learn how to cope with their hearing loss by learning from each other."

A spokesman for the Link Centre, which runs rehabilitation programmes for people with acquired deafness -- those not born deaf -- said: " We find in some areas people seem to be able to get their classes at no cost while in other places they just aren't prepared to waive the fees, yet it's absolutely crucial for these people to be able to communicate otherwise they can't carry on their jobs, family communication breaks down and families can break up."

A minimum of 12 people are needed to run a class. Anyone who is interested, or who can help with a venue or funding, should contact Angela on 07961 074552.