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Action for Deafness News & Views Autumn/Winter 2014
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Autumn/Winter 2014
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
for Deaf and hard of hearing people
www.actionfordeafness.org.uk Charity No. 1122579 Company No. 6205458
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/afd_uk
Find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/actionfordeafness
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20th Anniversary celebrations GO WITH A
SWINGsee pages 6-7
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
for Deaf and hard of hearing people
AFD’s 20th anniversary year is now drawing to a close and we are already looking forward to the next period in
our development. We have had some remarkable events over the past few months and two of
the highlights of the year are featured in this edition. Our main fundraising event of the year was a Golf Day on 18 September. A good time was had by all at the magnificent Mid Sussex Golf Club on one of the hottest
days of the year. You can read a full report and see lots of photographs on pages 6-7.
The £2,500 raised helped AFD move closer to its target of £20,000 additional income for the 20th anniversary.
A Word From The CEO: Jane Shaw
Our first ever Conference – a joint initiative with Hearing LINK – was a sell out and a resounding success. Most of the delegates were service users and their feedback showed that they all appreciated in depth information from the hearing aid manufacturers – and the delicious lunch. See more details on page 5 and watch this space for details of future conferences.
Action for Deafness is proud to provide exemplary care for all its patients and is particularly keen to become ever more accessible to dementia patients. Two members of staff are undertaking training as Dementia Friends Champions so that we will know how to make all our premises more dementia friendly. The link between hearing loss and dementia is being explored extensively and our Chief Audiologist answers some frequently asked questions on page 3.
AFD is always grateful to its volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the organisation and we are always keen to welcome new volunteers. We have been fortunate to
NEW PRODUCT - are youmissing speech on thetelevision or having troublelistening to music?The Amplicomms TV SoundBox is a lightweight portable wireless TV speaker that allows you to bring the sound from the TV and music devices closer so that you do not have to have the volume turned up very loud. It has a 3 level tone adjustment and an independent volume control. This speaker has good sound quality and provides an excellent alternative to headset based solutions. It offers complete freedom as it can be placed anywhere in the room without any trailing wires. It is light, portable and the range is very good. It includes a 3.5mm phono cable which connects your TV or portable music player to the base
transmitter. The transmitter is also used as a charging dock for the speaker.
With a distance range of up to 30 metres, the speaker can also be taken to other rooms around the house or even to the back garden. There is a low battery indicator and the speaker lasts approximately 8 hours after charging.
There is also an option to connect a portable music player directly to the speaker (rather than via the docking station), which will require an additional 3.5 mm stereo jack plug to 3.5 mm stereo jack plug.
The Wolfson Foundation generously supported our Outreach Audiology Services
2 A Word From The CEO: Jane Shaw
New Product
3 Sir Nicholas Soames
Q&A
4 New Audiology Centre
Testimonials
5 Autumn Conference
6-7 Golf Day
8 BSL Link
9 New members of staff
10 Sussex Deaf Forum
Burgess Hill Darby & Joan Deaf Club
11 Churches with communication support and clubs
12 Clinic details
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Resource Centre NewsThe AFD Resource Centres in Haywards Heath and Worthing are busier than ever. Services available there include advice, support, information, hearing aid batteries and tubing, equipment demonstrations and sale of assistive listening devices. No appointment is necessary. There is a large car park to the rear of the Haywards Heath Resource Centre and ample on-street parking outside the Worthing Resource Centre.
When AFD relocated its Haywards Heath head office to Sussex Road in March 2013, a demonstration room was set up where the Resource Centre staff can demonstrate and sell equipment. This proved to be very successful as it offers privacy and time for clients to try out the equipment and discuss their options with our knowledgeable staff. Being away from the busy reception area also allows customers to go through in more depth the various functions of the equipment. A similar demonstration room has now been set up at our Worthing Resource Centre. Staff at both bases are always happy to advise and to demonstrate equipment in the quiet and privacy of these rooms. No booking is required for use of the demonstration room.
recruit a new Volunteer Service Co-ordinator, Helen Hall, who is sure to make a huge impact on this service. You can read more about Helen and other staff recruits on page 9.
AFD has always provided services across the whole range of deafness and, over the past few years, has increased its efforts to meet the needs of culturally Deaf people. In order to progress this even further we have appointed Gerry Turton as our Deaf Services Co-ordinator. Most of you will know Gerry as she has been working with us as our Worthing Services Manager for the past four years. Gerry will be based at Haywards Heath but will operate throughout the County. There are exciting plans for Deaf Services and Gerry will do a full report for the next edition of N&V.
We have freshened the format of N&V to coincide with our special anniversary and I do hope you will enjoy reading it.
Jane Shaw - CEO
Q & A with ChiefAudiologist LiamThompson: HearingLoss and Dementia.Q: There has been a lot of
media coverage recently about a possible link between hearing loss and dementia. Can hearing loss cause dementia?
The short answer is no it can not, although recent studies have shown that people with hearing loss appear to have a higher percentage chance of developing dementia.
Q: Why is there an increased chance of dementia for those with hearing loss?
The results of studies show that when hearing starts to deteriorate, patients tend to live with their hearing loss for a number of years before they visit their doctor or audiologist. During this time, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) showed that the auditory parts of the brain had shrunk, probably due to lack of stimulation. When a patient has dementia, parts of the brain deteriorate. This process appears to be more rapid if a patient has a hearing loss.
Q: Can hearing aids help?
Identifying and treating hearing loss early has lots of benefits. Patients who suffer with hearing loss tend to withdraw from social activities as they cannot hear well and can feel embarrassed. This can lead to social isolation which can contribute to poor mental health. By using hearing aids early, patients feel more confident and more able to mix, thus reducing social isolation.
Q: How often should I have my hearing checked?
If you have never had a hearing test and you are over the age of 55, it is wise to ask for one if you feel you are not hearing the TV well or are struggling to hear in group situations. If you are already a hearing aid user, the NHS recommends reassessment every three years.
We were delighted when Action for Deafness patron The Right Honourable Sir Nicholas Soames MP was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to politics. Sir Nicholas has been a patron and supporter of Action for Deafness for many years whilst serving as MP for Mid Sussex.
Sir Nicholas Soames
“ I was greatly honoured to be knighted by the Queen on Thursday 9th October at Buckingham Palace in what was a wonderful and moving ceremony.”
“It was one of the greatest days of my life and I and my family will never forget it.”
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NEW CENTRE IN SHOREHAM
-BY-SEA
Excellent service and aftercareAdvanced digital technology
Convenient locations
NORTHBOURNE MEDICAL CENTRE
193A Upper Shoreham Road
Shoreham-by-Sea
West Sussex BN43 6BT
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TESTIMONIALSThe service and advice you give is second to none.” (Pulborough patient)
I am doing very well with my hearing aids and am now able to join in group talks now. Thank you so much. (Burgess Hill patient)
The work that you do with those who struggle to hear is invaluable. (Copthorne patient)
May I thank you for the kindness and patience you showed to my late husband. Your understanding was appreciated by all the family. (Burgess Hill patient)
I have been treated by audiologists in France, America and England but your care and advice has been absolutely superlative. (Crawley Down patient)
The support you have given me has gone far beyond expectations. I had almost given up. Thank you (Worthing patient)
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More than 40 delegates attended Action for Deafness’ first Autumn Conference on Saturday 11th October. The conference was a joint initiative with Hearing LINK and there were some exceptional speakers. The theme was ‘Hearing in Noise’.
Our CEO, Jane Shaw, welcomed everyone, and then our Chief Audiologist, Liam Thompson, gave a clinical introduction to the day.
Alison Stone, from Oticon, spoke about how our hearing works and what happens when the auditory system is damaged. She looked at why it becomes difficult to process one voice amidst many voices, from an auditory processing perspective.
Following Alison’s introduction there were speakers from various manufacturers, who briefly described how their technology tries to address the issue of hearing speech in noise.
The afternoon session was opened by Lorraine Gailey, CEO Hearing LINK, who spoke about assistive listening devices and rehabilitation offered by the organisation. Cathy Cobbold of AFD then discussed communication strategies that can help when dealing with challenging listening situations.
The delegates were given the opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ stands and the AFD Resource Centre, to explore assistive devices and discuss the technology available with the experts.
‘Hearing in Noise’ was thoroughly explored and everyone went away with many questions answered and a better understanding of this complex topic.
MEMBERSHIPSCHEMEAction for Deafness welcomes applications for membership from those who share our vision.
• Membership £7.00 per annumMembership Application I would like to join Action for Deafness
Name: ____________________________________________
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Address: __________________________________________
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Telephone: _______________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________
Please select your preferred payment option for your annual subscription
CASH CHEQUE (made payable to Action for Deafness)
I do NOT wish to become a member, however I would like to make a donation of £______________
If you pay tax on UK wages, savings or pensions, you can make your gift worth 25% more by signing the Gift Aid declaration.
YES, I would like Action for Deafness to treat all my donations as Gift Aid.
Signed: ___________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________Action for Deafness will hold your details for membership and marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act. If you do not wish to receive updates from us, please contact us on tel: 01444 415582, fax: 01444 415587 or [email protected]
✁AFD Membership card.indd 1
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AFD Membership card.indd 2
18/09/2014 12:44
&
Autumn Conference
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As part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations, AFD hosted a Golf Day at Mid Sussex Golf club by kind permission of the owners on Thursday 18 September. The weather was spectacular and the 13 teams involved played all 18 holes. There was a Pimms tent at the Half Way Hut where sales were brisk. On the 15th hole, the players had an opportunity to play “Nearest the Pin” – the winner having use of a beautiful Porsche for a weekend of their choice, courtesy of Mid Sussex Porsche Centre.
After several hours of golf, all competitors returned back to the club house for a gala dinner.
AFD Chair, Roger Hewitt, presented the trophies to the winning team and prizes to the runners up and the third placed team. Wharton’s Warriors were the worthy winners, closely followed by Thompson’s Terrors and Connevans.
Simon Langton of Denham’s Auction House in Horsham was our auctioneer for the evening and he kept the audience hugely entertained whilst persuading them to part with almost £1,500 cash.
The event was greatly enjoyed by all who attended and grateful thanks are due to all those who were so generous in their support. £2,500 was raised, bringing AFD ever closer to its £20,000 target for its 20th anniversary.
20th Anniversary
AFD Golf Day
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£2,500 was raised, bringing AFD ever closer to its £20,000 target for its 20th anniversary.
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2nd Thursday of every monthBSL Link for Communication Ltd
22 Sussex Road Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 4EA
7pm – 9pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Look forward to seeing you!
13th November 2014
11th December 2014
8th January 2015
12th February 2015
12th March 2015For programme information, please email:
SUSSEX DEAF FORUM
Helen Hall – VOLUNTEER SERVICE CO-ORDINATOR
Hi! My name is Helen Hall. I am delighted to have recently joined the Action for Deafness team as the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator. I have been involved with the voluntary and community sector for many years, both as a volunteer and as staff. I have enjoyed a diversity of roles from mentoring to community development. My original training was as a secretary, so I come from an administrative background but I have since trained in community development attaining the Working In Community Organisations
(WICO) qualification. My main role as the Volunteer Service Co-ordinator will be to help maintain and develop the volunteer programme. Volunteers play a vital role in helping Action for Deafness provide a quality service to the community. We are currently seeking volunteers to help in our outreach clinics and experienced fundraising volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each month and would like to join our friendly team, please contact me at [email protected]
Mary Dunleavy – HEAD OFFICE RECEPTIONIST
Hello. My name is Mary Dunleavy. I started working as the Head Office Receptionist for Action for Deafness in August 2014. I have many years of experience as a receptionist. I also trained as a Wildlife Manager, which involved studying the protection, maintenance and control of British wildlife. I also completed a course in Tropical Habitat Conservation whilst doing Biodiversity diving survey work in Madagascar.
I have done voluntary work as a teacher’s assistant on educational trips to Holland and Iceland, and as a customer information assistant at the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
I have already enjoyed meeting and greeting many AFD patients and look forward to meeting many more of you in the future.
Sarah Carey – AUDIOLOGIST
Hello. My name is Sarah Carey and I am an audiologist based at AFD’s Worthing centre. I only recently joined the team but some of you might recognise me, as I worked with AFD from 2007-2009 as a Resource Centre assistant and then as Worthing Services Manager. I moved to Winchester with my husband and continued my work with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, working as a communication support worker for a child with a cochlear implant. I decided to learn more about the ear and gained a place
on the 4 year BSc Audiology programme at Southampton University. I completed my studies in July 2014 and moved back to West Sussex to start my career with Action for Deafness. It is great to see how the Charity has developed in the services they provide and the difference they make to the community.
New Staff
Sarah achieved First Class Honours in her BSc.
Audiology degree from Southampton University
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Sussex Deaf ForumBSL Link for Communication are pleased to announce the Sussex Deaf Forum, a new, exciting event, which will happen every second Thursday of the month.
Action for Deafness has kindly offered the use of their Head Office building in Haywards Heath for the meetings from 7-9pm, with arrival at 6.30pm. These monthly meetings will be a regular opportunity for Deaf people to socialise and enjoy a variety of guest speakers, so please come along and find out for yourself.
The first meeting of the Sussex Deaf Forum took place at Action for Deafness on Thursday, 11th September. The guest speakers were Fiona Mitchell-Wu and Philip Wyatt from BSL Healthy Minds, who gave a very interesting presentation about their service to the Deaf community.
The Forum will meet on the second Thursday of each month. All are welcome, so we look forward to seeing you there.
For ideas for future presentations and to express an interest in attending, please contact Stewart Bailey via email, text or fax. [email protected]
Would you like to improve your
Communication Skills?
Learn how much of our language is visible?
Find out some useful hints and tips?
Meet with other Hard of Hearing people?
Both our tutors have a wealth of experience in this area and enjoy encouraging learners to explore and develop confidence and independence.
CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILSTel: 01444 415582 Minicom: 01444 415593 Email: [email protected]
Then our Lip Reading and Better Communication courses could be just what you’re looking for.
Burgess Hill Darby & Joan(Deaf) Club
Grand Bingo Members of the Burgess Hill Deaf Darby & Joan Club marked AFD’s 20th anniversary with a Grand Bingo event. 27 members and friends attended the event on Friday 1st August at Burgess Hill Conservative Club. Members brought in lots of excellent raffle prizes. Our thanks go to Joseph Morphew Co-operative Funeral Care for donating a splendid hamper and helping to draw the raffle tickets. Several members had their eyes on this prize and the lucky winner was Margaret Hamilton. Grateful thanks are also due to the Mid Sussex Conservatives for the use of their premises.
A grand total of £115 was raised.
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BOGNOR REGIS
Communication Group (BSL & Lip-Reading – practice & support)Where: Laburnum Centre, Lyon Street,
Bognor Regis, PO21 1UX.When: Every Friday, from 7pm onwards.Contact: Tricia Johnson – 07794 655368 (voice/sms)
George – 07737 889954
BURGESS HILL
AFD Burgess Hill Darby & Joan (Deaf) ClubWhere: Burgess Hill Conservative ClubWhen: 1st Friday of each month. 11am to 4pmContact: Action for Deafness,
Tel / SMS: 01444 415582, Fax: 01444 415587, Text: 01444 415593
WORTHING
Worthing Deaf Darby & Joan Club Contact: Peter Cornish – 01903 752058 (fax)
Worthing Deaf Social ClubContact: Julie Cornish – 01903 752058 (fax)
Worthing Hard of Hearing ClubWhere: Methold House, North Street, Worthing.When: Every Monday (except August),
from 7.30pm to 9pmContact: Barbara Cook 01903 230319 (voice/text)
Talking Hands BSL Club Where: Glebelands Community Centre, Greystone
Road, Ferring, West SussexWhen: Mondays 7pm – 9pmContact: Helen Duke: [email protected]
HORSHAM
St John the Evangelist RC Church3 Springfield Road, Horsham1st Saturdays of each month at 3pmContact: Maria Booker, [email protected]
LITTLEHAMPTON
Arun Community ChurchLittlehampton Community School, Hill Road, LittlehamptonEvery Sunday at 10.30am Contact: Arun Community Church, 01903 787078 (fax), [email protected]
WORTHING
Jubilee Community ChurchWorthing High School, South Farm Road, WorthingEvery Sunday at 10amContact: Jubilee Community Church, 01903 821921 (voice), [email protected]
BURGESS HILL
St John the EvangelistLower Church Road RH15 9AA3rd Sunday of every month at 3pm.Led by Fr. Jonathan Baldwin, signed by Barbara Blundell
CRAWLEY
St Alban ChurchGossops Drive, Gossops Green, Crawley2nd Sundays of each month at 9.30amContact: The Diocese of Chichester, 01273 421041 (voice), [email protected]
EAST GRINSTEAD
Trinity Methodist ChurchLingfield Road, East GrinsteadEvery Sunday at 10.45amContact: [email protected]
CRAWLEY
Crawley Deaf Darby & Joan ClubWhere: The Twitten, Ginhams Road, Crawley.When: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, from 10am to 4pm.Contact: Mary Dean – 01293 523488 (fax)
Crawley Deaf Social ClubWhere: Three Bridges Community Centre,
Gales Place, Three Bridges, Crawley.When: 3rd Saturday, from 6pm to 10.30pmContact: John Redwood:
Pub GatheringWhere: GoffsParkHotel,GoffsParkRoad,Crawley.When: 1st Fridays, from 8pm onwards.Contact: [email protected] (email)
Springboard – Mothers & ToddlersWhere: NorthgateChildrenFamilyCentre,Barnfield
Road, Northgate RH10 8DPWhen: 2nd & 4th Mondays, from 9.30am to 11.30am.Contact: Liz Beatty – Sensory Support Team –
0845 0751007 [email protected]
CLUBS in West Sussex
Churches with Communication Support in West Sussex
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HEARING AID MAINTENANCE CLINICS Nov 2014 – June 2015
Haywards Heath (Head Office)22 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4EA Tel: 01444 415582 Fax: 01444 415587 Minicom: 01444 415593 Email: [email protected]
Worthing 53 Rowlands Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 3JN Tel: 01903 217341 Fax: 01903 239117 Minicom: 01903 201243 Email: [email protected]
Audiology Services also available at: Crawley, Gossops Green Medical East Grinstead, Glen Vue Centre Handcross, Ouse Valley Practice Shoreham-by-Sea Northbourne Medical Centre Steyning, Steyning Health Centre For information, please contact our head office at Haywards Heath.
www.actionfordeafness.org.uk Charity No. 1122579 Company No. 6205458
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/afd_uk
Find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/actionfordeafness
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Contact Us
PROVIDING ADVICE, SUPPORT, RE-TUBING AND BATTERIES
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Weekly ClinicsSTEYNING CLINIC
STEYNING HEALTH CENTRE, TANYARD LANE, BN44 3RJEvery Thursday 9.00am-12.30pm
EAST GRINSTEAD CLINICGLEN VUE CENTRE, RAILWAY APPROACH, RH19 1BS
Every Wednesday 9.30am-12.30pm
Monthly ClinicsCRAWLEYCLINIC
GOSSOPS GREEN MEDICAL CENTRE,
HURST CLOSE RH11 8TY
1st Tuesday of each month at 9.30am
4th November2nd December
6th January3rd February
3rd March7th April5th May
2nd June
HANDCROSSCLINIC
OUSE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTRE,
LONDON ROAD RH17 6HB
1st Friday of each month at 2.00pm
7th November5th December9th January
(please note date for firstclinicof New Year)
6th February6th March3rd April1st May5th June
HASSOCKSCLINICAGE UK,
DALE AVENUE BN6 8LW
1st Tuesday of each month at 10.30am
4th November2nd December
6th January3rd February
3rd March7th April5th May
2nd June
HENFIELDCLINIC
HENFIELD HALL, COOPERS WAY
BN5 9DB
1st Tuesday of each month at 2.00pm
4th November2nd December
6th January3rd February
3rd March7th April5th May
2nd June
SHOREHAMCLINIC
NORTHBOURNE MEDICAL CENTRE,
193A UPPER SHOREHAM ROAD
BN43 6BT(In the grounds of
Southlands Hospital)
1st Wednesday of each month at
10.00am
5th November3rd December7th January4th February
4th March1st April6th May3rd June
We also have occasional clinics at AGE UK Horsham, Burgess Hill and Littlehampton and in care homes around the County. Please contact us for more details.
