Action on Hearing Loss Cymru (formerly known as RNID) are opening new hearing-aid clinics in Powys to provide vital support to people wearing NHS hearing aids.
The service, called Hear to Help, already operates across North Wales and has now secured additional funding from the Big Lottery to extend into Mid and South Wales. This will allow the charity to create a pan-Wales service aimed at supporting the 325,500 people across Wales who currently use hearing aids.
At the new drop-in clinics, trained volunteers will be on hand to maintain, adjust and re-tube hearing aids, with the aim of helping people to hear more clearly and improve their communication with friends and family.
Ceinwen Ellis, a beneficiary of the Hear to Help support service in Llangollen explained: “The service is already proving to be invaluable to many local residents with hearing loss problems especially in more isolated rural areas. The volunteers understand our issues and gladly answer any questions that we have. They also help us with other things like retubing and issuing batteries for our hearing aids. The nearest audiology service is often miles away, so having access to this level of support so close to home is vital to me and many other hearing aid users.”
Two new free clinics have opened at Crickhowell and Brecon to complement the existing Powys services in Knighton, Llanidloes, Newtown and Welshpool. More services are planned to open in Llandrindod Wells, Rhayader, Builth Wells and Ystradgynlais.
The Crickhowell service operates from the CRiC Centre on Beaufort Street on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 10am – 12pm. The Brecon clinic runs on the 1st Tuesday of every month between 2pm – 4pm.
On Tuesday 5th August we are pleased to welcome the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams CBE, to officially open the service. Other local councillors such as MP Roger Williams will also be in attendance.
If you would like any more information about the service or wish to apply to volunteer with us please contact Paul Chappell on 02920 907500 or paul.chappell@hearingloss.org.uk
