MSP makes plea for free lip-reading classes

Edinburgh Southern representative Jim Eadie has challenged his own SNP administration to provide the service.

He said the NHS did not currently offer the classes because it was not deemed a “clinical issue”.

The plea to the Scottish Government has been backed by local deaf charities.

Mr Eadie said: “Lip reading is an essential skill for deaf people to have. It reduces social isolation, increases the deaf person’s confidence and can reduce the incidence of mental health problems.

“Just like someone needs rehabilitation to walk again following a stroke, lip reading is a lifeline to people who lose their hearing.”