From a dark & dusty garage packed to the ceiling with furniture and junk to a light, air-conditioned audiology facility - the transformation of the Action for Deafness clinic at the Henfield Haven has been astonishing. Nigel Parsons and his team of builders have created a two-room clinic with an adjoining conservatory style waiting room, making use of what was an open walkway between the garage and the Haven Café.
Comfortable chairs in bumblebee yellow and black (Action for Deafness colours) and a large flat-screen information TV sit in the waiting room. A smaller room at the back is used for advice, servicing and re-tubing hearing devices, while the main consultation room contains a sound-proofed hearing test booth.
The official opening took place today (10 August) but the clinic has been welcoming customers since 5 July, with great feedback. The main audiology clinic runs two days a week by referral from your GP, and the maintenance clinic is open every Tuesday morning, 10am-12pm, as a drop-in facility for batteries, re-tubing, maintenance, advice and support.
The bright yellow ribbon was officially cut by Action for Deafness CEO Jane Shaw and Digby Stephenson, Chairman of Henfield Social Enterprise CIC. Jane said; "The team at Action for Deafness are proud to stand with the Henfield Haven and Impact Initiatives as we launch this new facility. We would like to thank the wonderful group of volunteers and organisations who have supported the project and worked together to make it happen, including Henfield Haven, Impact Initiatives and their staff, Nigel Parsons Builders, the Friends of Henfield Haven, Henfield CIC and countless volunteers."
Digby said "This is another chapter in the development of the Henfield Haven, which is unique community project and an example that is set to be imitated across Sussex. Within less than a year this brand new audiology facility, which used to operate from the Henfield Parish Offices, now has a custom-made home and can offer much more extensive facilities to local people."
Hewitts, Henfield BN5 9DT
Emma Osman
