Joshua’s happy in class thanks to centre staff

Hearing Resource Centre staff (l-r) Liz Taylor, Jenna Williams, Amanda Owen, Gemma Jones, Dawn Moran, Caroline Pollitt, Lisa McWhirter, Christine Burnett (manager).

GRATEFUL parents John and Alison Wild have nominated the hard-working team at Oldham’s Hearing Resource Centre for a Pride in Oldham award.

The couple say their profoundly deaf son’s life has been transformed by their assistance. Alison, from Royton, said since Joshua (12) started at the Hathershaw College - where the centre is based - their life has been transformed for the better.

The year seven pupil, who wears cochlear implants, is bursting with confidence, happy at school and eager to join in with lessons.

She said not only does he get support and understanding, the family is kept up to date on his progress and achievements.

Alison said: “We just can’t believe the change in Joshua, it really is a miracle and it’s all down to the centre. We’ve faced a lot of obstacles and negativity from health professionals in the past, but from day one here he has has been as happy as anything. He is being fully understood for the first time because the staff know how to communicate with him, it’s just wonderful.

“We didn’t think there could be such a wonderful place as the centre so we just want to acknowledge its work and nominate them for a Pride in Oldham award.”

Set up in 2002, a total of 11 staff help 27 pupils at the school with hearing problems, ranging from mild impairment to total hearing loss.

Manager Christine Burnett said the nomination had brought tears to her eyes.

She said: “We treat Josh just the same as the rest of our students. Nominating us was such a nice thing to do. It’s the fact that his parents really appreciate all the work that the team have done for him that is so lovely.”