£400,000 grant for hearing loss charity

The charity Action on Hearing Loss has been awarded nearly £400,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to begin delivering vital information support for those with hearing loss in Devon and Cornwall and help reduce social isolation.

With nearly 300,000 people living with hearing loss in the two counties, the project titled ‘Hear to Inform and Support’ will work with local groups in the area such as community clubs and voluntary associations to make them more accessible and ensure that organisations increase their ability to support those with deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss.

The funding will also help to establish information hubs in local communities across the South West where people can drop in to get support and guidance about any aspect of their hearing loss, from specialist equipment to hearing aid maintenance. Run by Action on Hearing Loss staff as well as trained and supported volunteers, those who may be concerned about their hearing will have the opportunity to have their hearing screened to see whether they would benefit from visiting their GP and being referred to an audiologist.

Head of South West services at Action on Hearing Loss, Lesley Holmes, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this funding by the Big Lottery Fund to begin expanding our information services into Devon and Cornwall. Throughout the application process, we have had a hugely positive response from various local organisations in the area, including Age UK Cornwall and Devon Senior Voice, offering their support for the project and highlighting how beneficial this face-to-face advice service would be for their members and supporters, particularly in rural communities.

“We look forward to working with local groups to ensure that hearing loss becomes a top priority when considering accessibility and we would call on anyone interested in getting involved as a volunteer for the delivery of the project to get in touch so that we can begin to reach as many people who may be affected by hearing loss as possible.”

The project is due to launch in January 2017 with funding running for five years. For more information on Hear to Inform including to register your interest as a volunteer or supporting organisation, contact Karen Squire, Regional Information Officer, on Information.SouthWest@hearingloss.org.uk or 01752 228 657