Deaf face isolation due to cutbacks

WE are writing to express our concern that the 575,500 people with hearing loss in Wales are being left more isolated due to spending cuts.

Freedom of Information requests by the charity Action on Hearing Loss Cymru show that since 2010/11 local authorities have cut spending on equipment for people of all ages with hearing loss by an average of 15% – with several slashing budgets by more than 50% – despite the number of people in Wales with hearing loss now over 575,500.

These cuts on equipment such as specialist telephones, visual alarms and personal listening devices mean there are now more people than ever facing isolation, loneliness and mental health issues in Wales.

Our organisations are calling on the Welsh Government and local authorities to improve access to this important equipment which keeps people safe and well, and in touch with their friends and family. More details about our campaign can be seen atwww.actio non hearing loss. org.uk/accessdenied Richard Williams, Action on

Hearing Loss Cymru Paul Redfern, British Deaf

Association Lesley Allen, Deafblind UK Wendy Marshall, Hearing Link Jayne Dulson, National Deaf

Children’s Society Cymru Sarah Matthews, North Wales Deaf

Association Simon Carnell, Sense Cymru