THREE local organisations have come together to offer fully-funded lipreading classes to support those with hearing loss in the community.
Specsavers Newark, Stray’s coffee shop and lipreading coach Helen Barrow from lipreading.me.uk have organised a series of 10 lipreading classes, starting on Thursday 19 January. Running from 10.30 until 12pm the sessions are open to anyone who suffers with a hearing impairment.
‘This is an idea I have had for a while, but thanks to the support and ideas of Matt from Stray’s and Helen we’ve been able to turn it into a reality,’ comments Jake Tyers, Specsavers Newark audiology director.
‘We know only too well the impact hearing loss has on people’s wellbeing in terms of feelings of isolation – and so, hopefully these sessions will not only give people in our community the skills to allow them to communicate more easily but also will provide a social and enjoyable environment for them to be in.’
As well as funding the courses, Jake and his team will also be involved with the classes.
The sessions will be kindly hosted by Stray’s in Newark, a family-owned and run independent coffee shop, eatery and live jazz venue on Middle Gate. The venue has been specially adapted to accommodate those with hearing loss, and anyone attending the lipreading classes will also benefit from a special discount on purchases at Stray’s during the classes.
Classes will be run by Helen Barrow a qualified lipreading tutor. Having struggled with hearing loss all her life, Helen knows only too well how every day can be more challenging as a result.
‘I’m delighted to be involved in this initiative and am really excited for January when the classes get underway,’ adds Helen. ‘Lipreading can help those with hearing loss to better understand what they see and hear enabling them to take a more active part in conversations. Our aim is to offer a fun session – set in a lovely, relaxed environment and with great coffee!’
Anyone interested in learning more about the classes, or is keen to enrol, can contact Helen directly by emailing Hello@lipreading.me.uk, text 07976 268810.
Alternatively, pop into Specsavers Newark 25 Middle Gate, tel 01636 611599 or visit Stray’s at 16-20 Middle Gate to find out more.
