A charity for the deaf and hard of hearing has been given a boost after people struggled to communicate during the pandemic.

Hi Kent, which offers support across the county, has been donated 100 face shields by the 9th Dartford Scouts and Dartford Lions.

Communications for deaf and hard of hearing people has been, and continues to be, extremely difficult during the coronavirus pandemic because mask wearing prevents deaf people from lip reading, so the greater use of face shields is a positive way forward said Hi Kent.

The charity's press and fundraising officer Debra Jones said how pleased she was to receive a message out-of-the blue from the Scouts inquiring if Hi Kent could make use of the face shields. Within just a few hours it was arranged for the shields, donated by Tesco to the Dartford Lions, to be allocated to the Scouts for them to hand on to Hi Kent.

The charity supports people across the county with a range of services including classes in lip reading and sign language, plus aftercare clinics for those with hearing aids.

Ragbhir Sandhu, Dartford Lions president, said: "We are pleased to help 9th Dartford Scouts to provide these valuable resources to Hi Kent, who we know will make great use of these shields.”

Scout leader Neil Gearing said: "Once again 9th Dartford Scouts are demonstrating good citizenship by supporting their local community, and keeping to our Scout promise to help other people.

"Only last month our whole Scout group spent a day to clean the recreation ground behind our Scout hall, we collected 10 bags of rubbish. It was another brilliant all-section event bringing together our Beaver Scouts, Cubs Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts, along with parents and leaders. The litter pick was supported by McDonalds."

If parents want their children to join Scouting at 9th Dartford they can text Neil on 07931125008, or visit www.scouts.org.uk.

Neil added: "We have a few spaces available for a September start for boys and girls especially those aged 8 to 11 years. Having received financial support from Dartford Borough Council, we can offer free sessions in September for all new recruits.”

The Scout group meets in its own hall in Heath Lane.

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