“Volunteering for people with hearing problems can truly change lives for the better” – Sandra’s volunteering story
My name is Sandra, and I’m a sensory support group befriender and volunteer for the equipment, adaptations and sensory impairment service in Barnsley.
I personally have hearing difficulties, which motivates me to assist others facing similar challenges, and I genuinely find joy in it. I love helping people overall. It also brings me personal satisfaction. I enjoy meeting new individuals. When you are deaf or have visual impairments, it can often lead to feelings of isolation, especially joining in conversations can be tough. When you’re out with a group, you can only focus on one person at a time, and if everyone is talking, it becomes impossible to engage in a conversation. It all just turns into a big blur. We do understand this in our group and always make sure everyone is a part of the conversation.
About a decade ago, we formed a group called HUGS, which stands for ‘Hearing United Group Support’. Currently, our group consists of around 20 members. We gather once a month, typically at our local library where we can rent a room.
During our meetings, we host various speakers who discuss a wide range of topics. For instance, members of the South Yorkshire police have spoken about fraud and scams, and every year, we welcome a member from the audiology department at Barnsley Hospital.
In our meetings, we discuss the challenges deaf individuals face when visiting shops or attending hospital appointments. Sometimes, people forget that we cannot hear, and they speak without looking at us or too softly. Even in the ophthalmology department, where it should be more straightforward, we still encounter difficulties. Thanks to the insights from our hospital speakers, we can provide feedback to help bring about change.
I enjoy the role and that I can support other people who are struggling more than myself. Volunteering for people with hearing problems can truly change lives for the better. Many individuals with hearing difficulties face challenges in everyday life, such as communication barriers and as I mentioned before – feeling isolated. When volunteers step in to help, they provide support and understanding.
Volunteers can create friendly and welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable and included, like in our group. As volunteers share their time and skills, they encourage a sense of community. In general, volunteering not only changes the lives of those with hearing problems but also enriches the lives of the volunteers themselves, creating a cycle of kindness and understanding. Everyone benefits when we come together to support one another in such meaningful ways.