A VOLUNTARY club run by and for the deaf community of Waltham Forest has a new worker to help members write official letters.

Shahwar Butt (pictured), who is British Sign Language (BSL) qualified and has a degree in Deaf Studies, has become a club communication worker for the Walthamstow Deaf Club, offering deaf members help with writing letters, or filling in council tax, benefits or other forms.

She can also liaise with the official parties involved, in confidence and under the rules of the Data Protection Act.

The club, which has 300 members, meets every Wednesday evening at Orford House in Walthamstow between 7pm and 10.30pm.

It offers a variety of services and resources including, a monthly police surgery with BSL-trained officers; BSL workshops; a BSL library, use of a computer and forums and social events.

For more information visit walthamstowdeafclub.org.uk