A CHESTER charity has launched a new app that it says will “revolutionise” the way it communicates with people with hearing loss.

Around 100,000 ‘D/deaf’ people, their families and carers, across Cheshire can now access the latest updates and service details from Deafness Support Network (DSN) on their mobile devices.

The app was launched at a special celebration event at Chester Deaf Club with the help of developer Martin Haley, director of Chester-based, Eazi-Apps.

The new button for Android and Smart Phone will feature tabs for youth services, fundraising, volunteering and events, as well as ways to book duty slots and hire the Chester Deaf Centre hall for activities.

Mr Haley said: “The last two years has seen phenomenal growth in the mobile app market and both charities like DSN and small businesses are now getting onboard with how important a mobile marketing strategy is, to help meet client and customer expectations.

“It’s been a real pleasure to develop such a worthwhile app for the team at DSN which I know will come in such good use.”

Among the thousands of DSN service users are families, teenagers, carers and older people.

Gill Reeder, operations executive for DSN, developed the app alongside Mr Haley using more than 40 years of experience of working with the D/deaf community.

“We are really proud to unveil the app with such a great celebration event - it’s great to see everyone so excited by it,” she said.

“The digitalisation of communications is as relevant to us as anyone else and as a charity we have always thought about the future. While our outreach work and local services stay rooted in our strong foundations of quality personal care, mobile is now leading the way in how people access information, so the app will be a great asset to us.”

Push notifications - also described as app text messages - have been one of the main focuses in the app development allowing the charity to issue reminders or alerts to users.

There will also be easy navigation to their growing social media platforms through the app and access to DSN’s not-for-profit hearing aid company Positive Hearing, for audiology testing and appointment bookings.

Mrs Reeder added: “We are keen for anyone wanting to find out more about what we do, how they can access our services and even volunteer to download the app today.”

Those that download the DSN app before May 31, 2018, will be entered into a free prize draw to win a Polaroid 27 inch TV with integrated DVD player.

To download the app click the links https://goo.gl/BbpKfV or for Android go to: https://goo.gl/asJkVG or simply go the Google Play or Apple App store and search ‘DSN’ or ‘Deafness Support Network’ to find the app.

* The word Deaf (with a capital D) is used to denote individuals whose first language is British Sign Language, whilst the term D/deaf refers to everyone with hearing loss: Deaf, deaf, deafened, D/deafblind and hard-of-hearing.