Shropshire charity helps people with hearing loss stay independent

A Shropshire charity is helping hundreds of people with hearing loss stay independent and connected to their communities through practical support and advice.

Community Resource's Hearing Loss Support Service provides help with NHS hearing aids, including maintenance, battery and tubing replacements, as well as home visits for people who find it difficult to travel.

The difference this can make was recently highlighted when a retirement living resident in Oswestry damaged their hearing aid.

Living alone and managing severe sight loss, hearing loss and dexterity difficulties, the resident was unable to arrange a repair themselves.

Without their hearing aid, everyday communication became much harder, but a trained volunteer from Community Resource stepped in to arrange the repair, liaise with NHS Audiology and provide practical support.

The resident later said: "I wouldn't have been able to manage on my own."

Another regular service user from Bridgnorth also praised the support available locally.

They said: "Having support available locally makes a huge difference. It means I can get help when I need it without having to travel to hospital, and it gives me confidence that support is there when problems arise."

The service operates across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin through community hearing loss support hubs and home visits.

During 2025/26, trained volunteers delivered 1,512 appointments at support hubs and 872 home visits, helping hundreds of people get the most from their hearing aids.

Susann Mitchell, Development Officer for Hearing Loss Support at Community Resource, said: "Hearing loss can affect every part of daily life, from conversations with family and friends to confidence, wellbeing and independence.

"Every day we see the difference this service makes. Behind every appointment and home visit is someone who wants to stay connected to the people and activities that matter most to them."

However, following funding cuts from Shropshire Council, the charity is appealing for support to secure the service's future beyond March 2027.

Susann said: "Although funding has been secured until March 2027, replacing the funding we have lost will take time. We need to start raising funds now to make sure this service continues to be there for the people who rely on it in the future."

Community Resource is inviting local businesses, community groups and members of the public to help through donations, sponsorship, fundraising activities or corporate partnerships.

Donations can be made through the charity's JustGiving page.