Volunteers Tony Chessell and Sue Cuts maintaining a hearing aid for a client at one of the Ryde drop-in.
AN APPEAL has been issued for volunteers to help ease the isolation deafness can cause.
Isle of Wight Action on Hearing Loss has launched the appeal for more volunteers to help — especially now as the organisation wants to expand its work.
People can find out more about the group and how they can help at an information day, being staged at the Salvation Army Hall in Pyle Street, Newport, between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday.
"We need more volunteers who would like to visit clients in their homes," said Action on Hearing Loss head of the south-west region Lesley Holmes.
"There are so many people who are isolated because they find it difficult to socialise when they have a hearing loss but others don’t understand the communication issues.
"Not surprisingly, this service is fast becoming popular. Currently held in Newport and Freshwater, we have more planned soon in Ryde and Cowes and for those who are unable to leave their homes.
"We also need people to help with hearing aid maintenance."
She said all the organisation’s work relied on volunteers — there were currently 29 — and upon fundraising.
"Volunteers to help us raise funds are always very welcome as well as anyone with a hearing loss who would like to join our users’ forum group," she said.
• Another organisation for the deaf is just about to celebrate fundraising success.
The Saturday Club for Deaf Children, which needs an annual income of £50,000 to continue its work, is to be presented with a new minibus on July 14.
The ceremony, to be performed by Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Nick Hayward, follows fundraising by Jillie Wheeler and her dog, Cassie. Displays on the work of the Saturday Club, Action on Hearing Loss and the work of the Isle of Wight Deaf Children’s Association will be at the information day.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk