The Beginning of Hearing Help – 1991

In 1991, Hearing Help (Amber Valley) was formed in the front room of Elaine Richardson’s home. Elaine started the organisation alone and without any funding.

At the time, Elaine worked for Cam TAD (Campaign to Tackle Acquired Deafness) in Derby and realised that there were no suitable services available for people with hearing loss in the Amber Valley areas of Ripley, Alfreton, Belper and Heanor.

Elaine approached Social Services, who were unable to provide a service themselves but said they would support her if she established her own organisation.

A friend working in Social Services gave Elaine £500 from the Community Health Service to get started. This money covered the cost of posters and other initial expenses, while Elaine paid all other costs herself.

Establishing Local Hearing Aid Clinics

Elaine established hearing aid maintenance clinics in Ripley, Belper, Alfreton and Heanor.

She initially had no funding and paid her own expenses. When her husband was made redundant, Elaine had to take on two jobs while continuing to develop Hearing Help.

Becoming a Registered Charity – 1992

In early 1992, Elaine registered Hearing Help as a charity and formed a committee.

She successfully applied for a £1,000 grant from Social Services, which enabled the organisation to rent a portakabin next to DCIL in Ripley. However, the funding only covered costs such as rent and heating.

The organisation faced further difficulties when the portakabin was broken into twice and everything was stolen on both occasions. Despite these setbacks, Elaine continued to run the service.

Securing Long-Term Funding – 1993

Later in 1992, Elaine applied to Joint Finance, part of Derbyshire County Council, for funding.

The application was successful, providing three years of funding from April 1993. This enabled Elaine to receive a salary for 18½ hours per week and employ a secretary, Jane, for five hours per week. The funding also covered the organisation’s running costs.

With this support, Hearing Help was able to expand its activities. Elaine started a social club, established a lip-reading group and set up five additional hearing clinics.

Moving to a Permanent Home – 1996–1997

As Hearing Help continued to grow, the portakabin became increasingly cramped.

In 1996, the organisation applied for a National Lottery grant to purchase a hall on Derby Road in Ripley, which had previously been used by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The application was successful, and in 1997 Hearing Help moved into the hall. The new premises were formally opened by the Deputy Mayor of Ripley.

A Change in Leadership – 2008

Unfortunately, Elaine’s health deteriorated and she retired in 2008.

John O’Brien subsequently joined Hearing Help Amber Valley as Manager. John came from a commercial background, having held senior management positions both in the UK and overseas.

His commercial experience became particularly important as significant government funding cuts began to affect the provision of services. John helped to change the direction of the organisation and develop it for the challenges ahead.

Becoming Hearing Help UK – 2015

In 2015, Hearing Help was rebranded and became Hearing Help UK, a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

This change enabled Hearing Help to expand its services beyond Amber Valley and provide support throughout Derbyshire and further afield.

The Derbyshire Hard of Hearing Service

Hearing Help UK successfully tendered for and won the contract to provide the Hard of Hearing Service throughout Derbyshire on behalf of Derbyshire County Council and NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board.

The Derbyshire Hard of Hearing Support Service is available to adults aged 18 and over who live within:

  • Amber Valley
  • Bolsover
  • Chesterfield
  • Derbyshire Dales
  • Derby
  • Erewash
  • High Peak
  • North East Derbyshire
  • South Derbyshire

Assistive Hearing Equipment

Hearing Help UK provides assessments for assistive hearing equipment to help people with hearing loss maintain their independence and quality of life.

Equipment can include:

  • TV listeners
  • Personal listeners
  • Doorbells
  • Alarm clocks
  • Induction hearing loops

The aim is to help Derbyshire residents with hearing loss enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Outreach and Community Support

Hearing Help UK brings its services directly into local communities.

A dedicated team of professional, friendly staff and volunteers uses a person-centred approach to support individuals with their specific needs and queries.

Outreach staff attend markets and community events and provide presentations and training throughout the county. They also offer opportunities for people to have an informal conversation and find out more about the support available.

For upcoming dates and times, people can contact the office on 01773 570976 or follow Hearing Help UK through its website and social media channels.

Advice, Advocacy and Peer Support

Hearing Help UK supports people with all aspects of hearing impairment, as well as their families, friends and carers.

The organisation provides:

  • Friendly, practical advice and guidance
  • Advocacy
  • Peer support
  • Social activities
  • Outreach services
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Signposting to other relevant organisations

Ear Wax Removal Service

Hearing Help UK also provides an ear wax removal service at its premises in Marehay, Ripley.

The service is delivered by a qualified Registered Nurse.

Current Services and Activities

Hearing Help UK currently provides a wide range of services and activities designed to reduce isolation, build confidence and improve quality of life.

Monthly Social Group

A social group takes place once a month to help prevent isolation, which can be a particular issue for people who use hearing aids.

Activities include guest speakers and quizzes, as well as an annual canal trip.

Peer Support Groups

There are nine peer support groups running across the county.

These groups provide opportunities for people to meet others with similar experiences and help prevent social isolation.

Outreach Events

Hearing Help UK regularly attends outreach events around the county, bringing information, advice and support directly into local communities.

Chair-Based Exercise Classes

Chair-based exercise classes are provided to help improve strength and reduce the risk of falls.

Knit and Natter Group

A weekly Knit and Natter group takes place every Monday.

The group provides an opportunity for people to socialise, meet new friends and enjoy a shared activity.

Lip-Reading Practice Group

A fortnightly lip-reading practice group helps people develop their confidence in communicating.

Members also provide mutual support and encouragement to one another.

Equipment Loan Service

Hearing Help UK provides a loan service for assistive hearing equipment, allowing people to access equipment that can help them manage their hearing loss.

Supporting Thousands of People

Hearing Help UK now assists and supports approximately 6,500 people every year.

From Humble Beginnings to a Respected Organisation

From its humble beginnings in Elaine Richardson’s front room in 1991, Hearing Help has grown into a highly respected organisation supporting thousands of people across Derbyshire and further afield.

What began as one person recognising a gap in local services has developed into a county-wide organisation providing practical support, equipment, advice, social activities, peer support and specialist services to people affected by hearing loss.