When a retirement living resident in Oswestry damaged their hearing aid, a simple repair became a serious challenge.
Living alone and managing severe sight loss, hearing loss and dexterity difficulties, they could not arrange the repair themselves. Without their hearing aid, everyday communication became much harder, increasing the risk of isolation and affecting their independence.
Fortunately, support was available through Community Resource's Hearing Loss Support Service.
A trained volunteer stepped in to arrange the repair, liaise with NHS Audiology and provide practical support to help the resident continue using their hearing aid.
The resident later said:
"I wouldn't have been able to manage on my own."
Across Shropshire, stories like this are happening every week. Hundreds of people rely on Community Resource's Hearing Loss Support Service to help them stay independent, connected and involved in their communities. Now, following funding cuts from Shropshire Council, the future of the service is uncertain.
Delivered by Community Resource, the Hearing Loss Support Service provides practical support through hearing loss support hubs and home visits across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. The service helps people manage their NHS hearing aids, access practical advice and continue taking part in everyday life.
For many people, support goes far beyond hearing aid maintenance. It provides reassurance that help is available locally when problems arise and helps people remain connected to family, friends and their communities.
One regular service user from Bridgnorth 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. Losing the service would make life much harder for people like me."
The service is delivered by a dedicated team of trained volunteers who provide hearing aid maintenance, battery and tubing replacements, practical advice and support. Volunteers also visit people in their own homes when travelling to a support hub is difficult or impossible.
During 2025/26, the service delivered 1,512 hearing loss support hub appointments and 872 home visits, helping hundreds of local people get the most from their hearing aids and maintain their independence.
The service is highly valued by local NHS audiology teams. In a recent letter of support, Darren McHale, Head of Audiology at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, described the service as an established part of local hearing support provision and endorsed its continuation and future development.
The Trust highlighted the role volunteers play in helping people use hearing aids effectively, supporting independence, reducing isolation and resolving routine issues within the community. NHS Audiology has also recognised that the service helps reduce unnecessary clinic appointments and provides additional support for people who may struggle to access follow-up care.
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.
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."
Without additional funding, hundreds of people could lose access to local hearing loss support. For some, that could mean travelling much further for routine assistance. For others, it could mean losing a trusted source of support that helps them remain independent and connected to their community.
Help keep people connected
Community Resource is appealing to local businesses, community groups and members of the public to help secure the future of the Hearing Loss Support Service beyond March 2027.
Support could include:
- making a donation
- sponsoring the service
- organising a fundraising activity
- becoming a corporate partner
Donations can be made through our Just Giving page at:
https://donate.justgiving.com/campaign/hearing-loss-support/donation-amount
If you’d like to speak to a member of the fundraising team about organising a fundraising activity, sponsoring or partnering the service then get in touch with:
Hanna Clarke – Head of Fundraising on 01743 360641 or
Every contribution will help ensure people across Shropshire continue to access local hearing loss support, practical advice and reassurance close to home.
About our Hearing Loss Support Service
Community Resource's Hearing Loss Support Service helps people across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin manage hearing loss and get the most from their hearing aids. Delivered by trained volunteers, the service provides community hearing loss support hubs and home visits, offering practical assistance, maintenance, advice and reassurance close to home. In 2025/26, the service delivered 1,512 hearing support hub appointments and 872 home visits.
About Community Resource
Community Resource is an independent charity working across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to help people live independently and stay connected to their communities. Through community services, volunteering opportunities and specialist support programmes, the charity works to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and support people to live well.
For more information about Community Resource, please visit www.community-resource.org.uk
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