YOUNG deaf and hard of hearing people are set to benefit following a Cheshire-based charity’s expansion into Crewe.

Deafness Support Network was given a £30,000 funding boost by the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, enabling it to expand its Deaf Active service in the town.

The project helps socially excluded deaf children and young people develop self-esteem and sporting skills by taking part in a variety of non-traditional sports alongside their hearing peers.

The scheme will give young people the opportunity to work towards achieving accredited outcomes, helping boost education and career prospects.

The charity, which operates youth clubs across the Cheshire region, aims to improve access to a broader range of services for its existing 78 users, and hopes the new funding to benefit at least 20 new deaf and deafblind young people in Crewe, and its other expansion area, Warrington.

As well as helping to build the confidence of deaf children in the northwest, the project also promotes an awareness of deaf culture and language.

DSN chief executive, Bob Birchall said: “Deaf Active has been a great success already, but we are always striving to improve our services and to do so funding is essential.

“The grant awarded by the Royal Masonic Trust will help make a real difference to young local people with a hearing loss”.

Chief Executive of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, Les Hutchinson added: “DSN’s work and services are incredibly important and help many children in the region. We are delighted that the generosity of Freemasonry has enabled us to support such a wonderful charity.”

For further information on the charity, visit www.dsnonline.co.uk