Nicholas’ service update
We didn’t have to wait long for our in-person services to start again after the Christmas break. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make these events possible – read on for more details of our service activities.
Hearing Support sessions
We kicked off the new year with Hearing Support Sessions in London, Edinburgh (both community and audiology), and Worcester which all went ahead despite some tricky weather conditions!
Some people stopped to talk to our peer support volunteers with enquiries leading to signposting to charity and/or local services, while others were able to benefit from direct support on issues relating to managing their hearing. These conversations included understanding how to book audiology appointments and request hearing aid repairs, communication tips when visiting a loved one on a ward, connecting assistive listening devices, and simply taking the time to chat to someone who ‘gets it’.
Huge thanks to Alison, Elaine, Catherine, Kirsty, Ann, Merleen, Paul and Shona. The visibility of these services also helps in their development across the country, and we are currently in discussion to trial three new Hearing Support Sessions in community settings in Glasgow, North London and Hertfordshire. These are all peer support volunteer initiatives, aiming to bring support to their local area. More information to follow as we progress these conversations to trials and new opportunities.
LinkUps
As reported previously, LinkUp support groups are enjoying a sustained period of stability in their frequency with 118 participants in the first eight sessions – and the end of 2023-24 and the start of 2024-25 having high interest too. This is a fantastic testament to the hard work put in by staff and volunteers across the whole department, whether in fundraising, promotion, managing enquiries, or being part of the delivery team. Thanks to all 28 volunteers who have been to at least one LinkUp group in the past 18 months!
I’ve really appreciated the positive feedback for the agenda from participants and volunteers over that period. With this, staff training has been able to follow its course resulting in enough trained staff in the team to cover every LinkUp, so if someone drops out, we know that we will always have enough competent people available who can deliver across the roles, albeit with various experience levels.
In the closed period of December and January we carried out a review of the experience and confidence volunteers have to cover all roles and mapped the information across the five host locations (The Grange, Cardiff, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Beatrice Wright Centre near York). A number of gaps were identified that could affect the sustainability of the service so to address that risk, this coming year will be focused on giving a group of 8-10 peer support volunteers the opportunity to become a Facilitator or co-Facilitator across the weekends. They are all experienced contributors and actively participate in the storytelling, the breakout groups, and specialised sessions, but have either rarely or never had the chance to take the lead roles.
These volunteers will have the chance to attend a suite of LinkUps in close succession, so this is quite an investment for these volunteers and the charity, but one which will pay dividends. We’re really pleased to be in this lucky position to have such skilled and dedicated volunteers – so thanks to everyone who has responded to this so positively.
The scheduling is being finalised, but as we are allowing each volunteer the opportunity to attend two or three LinkUp groups, opportunities for additional volunteers may be limited this year. Apologies in advance for any disappointment if this affects your plans but I am sure you’ll understand that focusing on the bigger picture is the right choice at this time.
Community Days
The only Hearing Loss Community Day in January was near Reading in Berkshire. It was an excellent event organised by local Partnership Instructors Dave and Charlotte. As well as 15 hearing dogs’ partnerships attending, 13 members of the public also booked and as well as a warm welcome and hot refreshments, gained information and support about managing their hearing. Huge thanks to our local peer support volunteer Jean who did an excellent job of signposting to our services and also helped a number of people download speech to text apps on their phones. Other information stands on the day included a local Hard of Hearing Club, a Lipreading teacher (who included a taster session) and the local deaf liaison officer from Thames Valley Police with lots of information on keeping safe by registering your mobile to emergency services and how to contact the Transport Police by text when on public transport.
Hearing Link Services Volunteer groups on teams
Finally, great to see so many people and comments on the Hearing Link Services Volunteer Groups on Teams! Do check in regularly and visit all the channels for news, information and opportunities. Post something in the relevant service channel and leave a positive or encouraging comment on any existing posts as you go!
