Hearing support community sessions
Hearing support community sessions continue to be a valuable part of our support offer. In-person services make a huge difference to people and remain popular with peer support volunteers too.
This month, 14 volunteers braved the storms and the cold to set up and greet the local population.
In all, our volunteers donated over 34 hours of their time and 43 people were helped and advised directly at four venues that ran this month. The wider picture is that 568 people have now been directly helped over the last 10 months at our eight regular venues.
Ann, peer support volunteer at Edinburgh Audiology Department explains the impact she sees at the session she delivers:
“Being on the peer support team at Edinburgh Audiology puts me in direct contact with a really wide range of people, from those about to have their first hearing test, to experienced hearing aid wearers – any of whom may have practical or emotional issues they’d like to talk about with someone who understands and who can suggest strategies or services to help. We have time for them.”
The sessions allow us to develop networks with the host venues and organisations that they represent. These include the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Care, Nuffield Health, County Sensory Support teams and community centres. These are highly valuable contacts and contribute to raising awareness of what we do, and how we do it.
Sylvia, Jeff and Angela help as peer support volunteers alongside the Hertfordshire Sensory Support team. They summarised their first five months as follows: –
- Positive Start: The January session had a good turnout with 12 beneficiaries, and 10 of them took away literature. This indicates a continued strong engagement and interest and adds into a total of 55 people in our five sessions so far.
- Effective Setup: Angela’s suggestion to move the table to the window/sofa area was well-received, creating a more comfortable and welcoming environment.
- Gratitude from Beneficiaries: It’s heart-warming to hear that many beneficiaries expressed their thanks. This shows the impact of your efforts.
- Collaboration with Sensory Support: Their staff are appreciated for their easy-going nature and effectiveness with clients. However, there are areas where their knowledge could be expanded, particularly regarding the features audiologists switch on and app assistance.
- Technology Gap: Jeff’s attempt to help with apps highlighted a gap in service. Many beneficiaries need help with the technology side of hearing aids, which is an area to focus on.
- Engagement and Awareness: Angela emphasised the importance of connecting with clients and making them aware of all of Hearing Link Services. This approach seems to be working well, as beneficiaries are becoming more curious about our services.
- Potential of Collaboration: The collaboration with wider county services is proving beneficial, providing valuable knowledge, advice, and support to beneficiaries. The distribution of literature and raising awareness about our services are key aspects of this collaboration.
HUGE thanks as always to the wonderful volunteers who make this service possible every month 👏👏
