New health and well-being programmes for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have hearing loss are launching in South Lakeland.
Talking Tuesdays is one of the first to start from Cumbria Deaf Association and aims to combat isolation. It will be held every Tuesday from 10am to noon at the association’s Castle Street venue in Kendal.
Lucy Belton, the programme co-ordinator has spent time meeting with people to establish what support they want and finding the right ways to meet the needs of the community.
She said: “This space is to bring together people with hearing loss, who can often be more profoundly affected by isolation. As we journey through the colder months we wanted to open our space to combat isolation and get people connecting, knowing the lingering effects of COVID are still apparent within our community.
“The centre in Kendal will be our warm space, and we are inviting people to come together to share some good conversation over a brew and cake, with people who understanding hearing loss.”
The programmes are funded by the Freida Scott Charitable Trust and Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation.
In March, Walks for Wellbeing will offer gentle walks led by Claire Wickham who will be sharing her experience, sharing practical tips and helping people get to know the local area better.
Most sessions will be supported by a British Sign Language interpreter enabling the sessions to be accessible for those who use BSL as their first language.
For more information, visit www.cumbriadeaf.org.uk/events
