Good news

By Alison, Volunteer Co-ordinator

Two of you have shared your encouraging success following access issues at two very different venues, clearly following the advice which you would give to others.  I’d like to share this good news and please let us know of any similar successes you have had yourself. 

Sylvia emailed me to let me know that: 

“Following our chat after planning meeting I wrote back to Highgrove Customer Services, politely pointing out the legal requirement of equal access to information, empathising with the issue of supporting those with hearing loss in a garden tour but nonetheless making them aware that technology such as induction loop systems can help and could be booked with the tickets. 

To my surprise they came back very quickly with the following: 

Dear Sylvia,  

Thank you for this information. We have now just ordered a Hearing Loop System which will now be available on your tour. Please do let me know if you would like to be the first to trial this for us on this date.” 

Highgrove is the private residence of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Camilla, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.  

Sadly Volunteer Maureen has been experiencing some health issues recently but she told me:   

“On a brighter note. I was frustrated by the lack of deaf awareness at Stepping Hill hospital and wrote to the Trust. Their patient Liaison Team set up a Webinar with me and after that wrote: 

Good afternoon Maureen, 

Thank you for your time this morning and for sharing your experiences with us. It was lovely to meet you and we look forward to seeing how we can improve our services in response to your feedback.   

We will be in contact to arrange when we can capture your experiences in a story. We will also keep you updated on the progress of the work to implement support for people who are deaf and/or hard of hearing.   

They are making changes!”