Whilst I have not had any dealings with the team myself (and therefore only assume that it deals, at least partly, with welfare benefits work), I would be reluctant to see the service go.
As a recognised national charity many deaf people will turn to RNID first for such help. It may well be the case that RNID could refer out benefits work to organisations local to the client, but I would have doubts about the quality of the work undertaken by others. This is reflected in my own experience as I find that not having ever suffered from hearing loss, I find out profoundly difficult to understand what such disability means. In the case of disability claims, my lack of knowledge can be a hindrance. I do use the RNID's publications to assist and also the Newcastle WR deaf pack, but I don't think these can bring my skills in the area up to the level that deaf specialists would have.
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