A FURNITURE firm has teamed up with a Blackburn residential project to help kit out a specialist hub for people who are deaf or having hearing problems.

Supporters of the Deaf Village in Feniscowles, which provides supported accommodation and a community for young people, has taken delivery of a new massage chair, courtesy of Furniture for Life.

Located just off Preston Old Road, the initiative opened its doors last year, with self-contained living quarters and communal areas, with wonderful views of the East Lancashire countryside.

Diane Hughes, the furniture company's managing director, said: "We’re delighted with the feedback from residents and staff at The Deaf Village.

"They love the massage chair and it will really make a difference to the wellbeing of the people living there and using the facilities.

"Furniture for Life chose to support the Deaf Village after meeting its founder, Debra Cartlidge, and learning first-hand how her own personal struggles with being hard of hearing have shaped her life.

"She was so committed to the building of the Deaf Village that she even sold her own home to raise the funds to make it happen. Our team was really inspired by her and her vision.

"The therapeutic and relaxation benefits of massage chairs are well proven, not just for people with hearing problems or disabilities, but for everyone. We all need a bit of respite from today’s hectic lifestyles.”

Debra Cartlidge, of the Deaf Village, added: "We’re really grateful to Furniture for Life for the donation of the massage chair.

"The benefits to the residents are clear to see, and the quality of the chair and the massage experience it delivers are second to none.”

Now Furniture for Life bosses say they are looking forward to continuing their support for The Deaf Village through fundraising and activities to promote independent living skills, employability and digital skills offered by the organisation, which supports the deaf community growing up in a ‘hearing world’.