A charity which helps more than 11,000 people across the county has told of the near £50,000 cost of having to move headquarters.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Deaf Association at their new headquarters. Assistive Listening Technology Advisor, David Spicer.Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorfolk Deaf Association at their new headquarters. Assistive Listening Technology Advisor, David Spicer.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

The Norfolk Deaf Association is now settling into a new life on Meridian Way, after the landlord of its previous base in Graphic House decided to turn the floor it rented into flats.

And while the charity – which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year – was given advanced warning of the decision, it is one that has come at a cost.

Aliona Derrett, NDA chief executive, said the move had so far cost the charity around £49,500 – which had left a hole in its financial reserves.

She said: 'We had raised around £20,000 to provide a new aural service for ear wax removal, which we are now back to square one on. It is not an ideal situation to be in and we are reaching struggling point financially, however, we have to put a system in place to adjust to this.'

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Deaf Association at their new headquarters. Senior Audiologist, Matthew Keogh.Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorfolk Deaf Association at their new headquarters. Senior Audiologist, Matthew Keogh.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

However, Mrs Derrett said there were some positives to the move, with their new, larger, headquarters allowing them to offer more space for clinics and services to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's audiology department.

She added: 'We are settling in nicely and people have commented that the new site is easier to access than the old one.

'Our contractors – Norfolk Ceilings and Interiors and Breakwater ICT – have done a great job getting everything ready at very short notice so I am very thankful to them.'

The new location will also allow the charity to have a specific room for the new aural service – which will see them able to carry out micro suction ear wax removal.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Deaf Association at their new headquarters. Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorfolk Deaf Association at their new headquarters. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

However, this will rely on either the charity being able to raise the £26,000 needed, or for funding from the local clinical commissioning group.

Part of the fundraising for this – and recouping the cost of the move – will come from a charity concert this weekend.

The concert, which will be held at Epic Studio in Norwich, takes place on Saturday, June 16 and sees performances from The Visitors and The O'Fenders. Tickets are £5.