‘Hear to Meet’ – a new project from Action on Hearing Loss Cymru

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru’s vision is a world where deafness or hearing loss do not limit or determine opportunity, and where people value their hearing.

With a grant from the Big Lottery Fund AdvantAGE programme, the charity is launching a new Hear to Meet befriending service throughout Wales. Hear to Meet will decrease isolation and loneliness, and increase well-being amongst older people with hearing loss throughout Wales.

41% of people over 50 and 71% of people over the age of 70 have some kind of hearing loss. Deafness can be very isolating and often leads to older people withdrawing from social activities. Action on Hearing Loss is delighted to be launching the Hear to Meet clubs in order to try to reach those who may have become isolated due to their hearing loss.

Hear to Meet groups will allow older people with hearing loss to meet monthly to provide support, share experiences and rebuild their confidence over a friendly cup of coffee. Initially, the groups in South Wales will be set up by the regional Hear to Meet Co-ordinator. However, the long-term goal is that volunteer-led groups will determine their own direction and activities. This may include speakers from relevant organisations, demonstrations of equipment and technology, taster sessions in lip-reading or group trips to museums and other places of interest.

Working in partnership

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru is keen to work in partnership with those who share their vision and mission, and is seeking to develop links with statutory and voluntary bodies to ensure Hear to Meet complements existing service provision and meets the needs of those who need the service most.

How to find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about Hear to Meet and are keen to discuss working in partnership, or know someone who might benefit from Hear to Meet, please call Becky Oatley on (029) 2033 3378 or 07435 970960 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it