New Grant Aims To Support Heroes with a Hearing Loss

DSN, a leading sensory loss organisation in the North West and North Wales will bring fresh support to ex-military personnel in need of sensory support.

Thanks to a grant fund approval, DSN will now be able to deliver a range of services to offer advice, support, interpreters and signposting to veterans with hearing loss issues as part of the Veterans Sensory Aid project.

Gill Reeder said: “We are delighted to be a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and even more thrilled to have secured substantial grant funding to deliver our Veterans Sensory Aid project across Cheshire, Halton, Warrington and North Wales.”

DSN will be able to deliver information and advice, assistance to access to GP and health professionals, as well as welfare and social care benefits, including help to work and training needs.

Advice will also be given to support veteran families living with a person with hearing loss in order to identify and supply a range of equipment or technical assistance to improve communications and wellbeing.

As well as advice, veterans, veteran carers or their family group will be able to access some free British Sign Language (BSL) training and they will also be encouraged to network with other veterans using technology and activities including being able to attend one of 12 free workshops delivering a 4-hour sensory awareness session.

Pam Craige – lead on this project added: “We plan to build on our relationships with Transformation for Veterans, the Royal British Legion, Woody's Lodge and Age UK’s in the North West to create a shared platform of information in an effort to create a regional forum where veterans can come together as a voice.”

Tracey O'Connor, manager for Transformation for Veterans said: "It’s always exciting to get together with like minded people to help make a difference to our Veteran community.”

The two-year project hopes to empower veterans and their communities to become more independent and improve social inclusion, help with loneliness and isolation and improve mental wellbeing, added Pam.

If you or someone you know needs support please contact DSN via email:

dsn@dsnonline.co.uk

Pictured - Pam Craige and Gill Reeder celebrate the launch of a new veterans programme to support those with hearing loss in and around Cheshire.