A valued support service for sufferers of progressive hearing loss has been saved from closure and it will relaunch this month.
Hearing Support service has worked across west Cumbria for several years, helping people to get the best out of their hearing aids. Headed up by former audiology nurse Jean Mason, the service faced closure at the end of 2020, due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jean said: “I am absolutely delighted that I am able to keep this much-needed and valued service running with the help of Age UK West Cumbria. Without them offering their support the Hearing Support Service was going to close for good at the end of last year.”
Age UK West Cumbria has teamed up with Jean to reshape and relaunch the service.
Alan Irwin, Business Development Manager said: “We are delighted to be able to use our resources to safeguard a service that is important for local residents.
“Age UK West Cumbria’s involvement means that the service is now free to use and thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we have been able to run the service in more accessible locations.”
Later this year the hearing service will become part of a new ‘health hub’ for older residents. Additional services such as foot care, nail-cutting and information and advice will be introduced as part of a partnership with Cumbria County Council and the NHS audiology department in Carlisle. There will also be social opportunities for people to meet and chat once lockdown restrictions have been relaxed.
Jean Mason added: “The future for the service looks great and I am really excited to be part of Age UK West Cumbria’s health hubs – I look forward to delivering our regular monthly sessions again, albeit in a COVID secure way.”
To start with, all sessions will have a limited capacity and appointments must be booked in advance. Service users can reserve a timeslot by calling 08443 843 843 or by emailing [email protected]
- April 23 – 10am – noon – Local Links Office, Market Hall, Wigton.
- April 27 – 9.30am – noon – Bradbury Independent Living Centre, Oxford Street, Workington.
- May 4 – 10am – 12 noon – Cleator Moor Library.
- May 4 – 1pm – 3pm – Age UK West Cumbria VintAge UK shop, Lowther Street, Whitehaven.
- May 8 – 10am – noon – Age UK West Cumbria, no 93 Main Street, Cockermouth.
For more information call 08443 843 843 or email [email protected]
