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   Pioneering new project to help hearing aid users in Manchester
A pioneering project, providing vital encouragement and support to help people in Manchester adjust to wearing NHS hearing aids, is being launched by Action on Hearing Loss on Wednesday 25th January. Funded by The Co-operative, the new Hear to Help project is being run by Action on Hearing Loss – formerly RNID – in partnership with Manchester Royal Infirmary. The project aims to reduce the loneliness and isolation often experienced by people who wear hearing aids. Hear to Help will train volunteers, many of whom have a hearing loss themselves, to show others how to get the best performance from their NHS hearing aids, so that they can hear more clearly and improve communication with friends, family and colleagues. The volunteers will help people to carry out basic maintenance on their hearing aid, such as replacing tubing and batteries, as well as providing advice on equipment that can make life easier in the workplace and at home. Chief Executive of Action on Hearing Loss, Jackie Ballard, says: “Our Hear to Help project in Manchester will provide life-changing support for NHS hearing aid users and help reduce demands on the local audiology departments for post-fitting rehabilitation services. Getting used to a hearing aid can be difficult and takes time, and this service will prove invaluable. “Our committed team of volunteers is looking forward to running community drop-in sessions and making home visits to build the confidence of hearing aid users. It’s amazing to see the tremendous impact a hearing aid can have in transforming a person’s ability to hear and live a full and active life.” Head of Audiology at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Martin O’Driscoll, says: “The project will make it easier for people to get help with their hearing aids closer to home. The volunteers will also receive training so that they can identify people that would benefit from a further appointment with audiology or social care. I think this is an exciting opportunity to work together and improve the services available to people with hearing loss in Manchester.” Group Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group and a Vice President of Action on Hearing Loss, Peter Marks, says: “We are delighted to be funding a Hear to Help project to reach people in Manchester who have become isolated due to hearing loss. The incredible fundraising achievement of The Co-operative in raising £3.7 million for Action on Hearing Loss means this is just one of over 20 new projects across the UK. Overall, these projects will benefit 20,000 people who are deaf or hard of hearing.” For more information about the Hear to Help project, contact Diane Whitehead, Community Support Officer on 0161 276 2310 or email diane.whitehead@hearingloss.org.uk Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
