You can help transform our deaf veterans’ lives
Deaf veterans are looking for new pals to help provide extra support.
Action on Hearing Loss is looking for new team members to take part in classes for a few hours every month.
They will lead leisure sessions and show ex-servicemen how to maintain hearing aids and gear.
Erskine and Poppyscotland have backed the initiative to improve the quality of life for old soldiers.
MSP Derek Mackay has urged families to spare whatever time they can giving back to their community. He said: “I was delighted to speak with several veterans at the Hearing Forces session.
“They have hearing loss and are being supported by Erskine and Action on Hearing Loss Scotland to live independently and develop their IT or art skills as well as access mindfulness and holistic therapies.
“It’s great to see the charities working together in the Unforgotten Forces partnership,
“It helps those who served the country to overcome issues relating to their hearing loss and become both socially and physically active.
“I encourage residents in Renfrewshire to come forward to volunteer and provide lifeenhancing support which can be appreciate by many more older veterans in our communities who have lost their hearing.”
Mr Mackay visited the charity for one of its hearing aid support sessions in Erskine.
Veterans gathered to learn how to maintain their hearing equipment.
They insist it is vital to keep in contact with their families and lead independent lives.
Ex-servicemen George Sharp took part in the drop-in event.
He said: “Hearing Forces provides a friendly service.
“It helps us to hear our friends and family much better through the maintenance and cleaning of our hearing aids, and the provision of batteries to keep them working.
“When I see people at the centre struggling with hearing loss, I always encourage them to visit the support sessions.”
The charity also helps provide equipment, such as amplified telephones and personal listeners.
Volunteers will be trained on how to use the gadgets and instruct users on maintenance.
Angela Paton, of Action on Hearing Loss, said: “Our one-toone support is transforming the everyday lives of older veterans.
“We’d love to speak with people in Renfrewshire who are interested in volunteering for our service.
“Your help will allow us to run sessions more frequently to reach more veterans”
For more information, email hearing.forces@hearingloss.org. uk or telephone/text 07388 227407.