A communication system that makes it easier for members of the deaf community to contact services is being given a boost next week when the Mayor of Dudley tries out the system at a special event.

People who are deaf are unable to use conventional telephones so Dudley Council’s Deaf Support Team are using video calling on tablet computers to enable people to contact them.

The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Mohammed Hanif, will try out the system at the next Sign Cafe on Wednesday 22 June.

The Sign Cafe is held once a month at the Queens Cross Centre in Dudley and provides a meeting place for members of the deaf community. The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Mohammed Hanif, said:

“I want more people from our deaf community to be aware that we have this technology.

"The development of video calling via mobile devices has opened up a whole new world of communication for people who are deaf who rely on visual communication and are unable to use conventional telephones. “

The Mayor of Dudley will be at the Sign Cafe at 11am on Wednesday 22 June.

For more information video call the Deaf Support Service on tagf.dudleyipad@dudley.gov.uk  or telephone 01384 813462.