LinkUp support groups
Please note: All places for our 2024-25 groups are now filled. If you are looking for support, please contact our Helpdesk.
We know how daunting it can be when you experience changes in your hearing, not knowing which way to turn.
Our free LinkUp support groups have been carefully designed by people with lived experience of hearing loss, to provide emotional and practical support for others with hearing loss, and their families and friends.
They are delivered in person for groups of up to 16 people in a residential setting – either at one of our charity sites or hotel.
The aim of our support groups is simple – a chance to explore the challenges of living with hearing loss, share solutions and find out about technology or equipment that can make life a little bit easier.
Who benefits from attending a LinkUp support group?
LinkUp support groups will be of interest to anyone whose life has been affected by hearing loss. This includes anyone whose hearing has deteriorated to the point where it is causing them difficulties.
They also include relatives, partners, or friends of someone with hearing loss, because we know that hearing loss in the family, affects all family members, and everyone needs support to find a new way forward.
For this reason, we encourage participants to sign-up as a pair. The programme offers everyone the opportunity to explore their own challenges, and to understand better each other’s perspective.
It is of benefit for those with recent hearing loss; but also, for those who have lived with hearing loss for many years or longer.
How long does a LinkUp support group last?
Most LinkUp support groups are run over a weekend to make sure those with employment commitments can access them. Participants normally arrive on a Friday evening to begin to get to know each other. Formal sessions begin on Saturday morning and run throughout the day, concluding with a shared meal in the evening. Work continues Sunday morning and will finish just after lunchtime to allow for return travel.
How does communication work?
During group sessions, we provide an excellent working hearing loop and speech to text support (whereby everything that is said is typed in real-time and displayed on a screen) so that everyone can follow everything that has been said.
During the break times, we use the opportunity to practise some of the communication strategies that will have been discussed during the sessions. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat, so everyone understands and looks out for each other.
Many participants arrive feeling deeply anxious that they will be left out of the conversation, just like the situation in their everyday life. It doesn’t take long before they realise that this is one place where good communication is practised, and all are included.
How much does it cost?
Currently, we make no charge for participating in a LinkUp support group and we cover the costs of accommodation, meals and refreshments from arrival to departure thanks to the generosity of voluntary donations and funding from grant providers.
We do not cover the cost of transport to and from the LinkUp support group, but if this would prevent someone from attending who really needs this help we will always consider options.
Where and when are LinkUp support groups held?
We have 10 events taking place in 2024-25 across every country of the UK.
How do I apply for a LinkUp support group?
Unfortunately, all available places for these groups have been filled for 2024/25, and we are not currently accepting any more applications at this stage.
If you would like to know more about services we offer for people with hearing loss, and their families, please contact our Helpdesk.