Services update – August 2022

By Nicholas Orpin

The charity’s 40th Anniversary celebrations have continued throughout the summer and will run across the year. At various events many different people, from beneficiaries to the general public, have all had contact with Hearing Link Services and our Peer Support network.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered at our various events, providing support, signposting to our services or advising on available technology.

LinkUps

We held a LinkUp group in July at The Grange with 15 participants coming to terms with their hearing loss, or that of their partner. Some of the immediate feedback included:-

‘I’d say that it has made me a lot more comfortable with my hearing loss, having always felt awful about it’

‘It was very important to know that we’re not alone because we don’t have anyone in the family who is deaf, and we don’t meet other people like that’

‘I’d just like to thank everyone again. I think you are all amazing and all have got your own stories and been through so much. I just hope that you all go through your journeys feeling a lot more positive and assertive’

‘You have given me hope back. Thank you’

Thank you to the staff and volunteers – Mel, Helen, Craig, Alison and Linda – for making it such a success.

We will hold two more LinkUp groups this year in Fife, Scotland (7-9 October) and at The Grange in Buckinghamshire (11-13) November. We will aim for a full programme in 2023.

LinkUp Online made a welcome return in August as a one-day event, once again delivering a mighty result for the participants in what can be a tricky format. Thanks for all the skill and professionalism from everyone involved including Peer Support Volunteers Phil, Gill and Maureen.

Coming up in September

The Late Summer Show at The Grange (Sunday 11 September) will feature a Hearing Link Services stand with information and advice on hand, products to support hearing, as well as some participation sessions including finger spelling. It is a fun family day out and a warm and relaxed atmosphere showcasing the entire charity, it’s highly recommended and I hope to see you there.

Community based support

Our community support sessions will resume in September, with drop-in sessions in Edinburgh and London on the programme, as well as Community Days up and down the country.

I am working to roll out the new-look Peer Support Team at the end of the month. It will include information on the volunteer roles, the pathways of support available for those who seek our help, and how we make, as one of three teams, the Hearing Loss Services department.