Hearing loss support charity Hearing Help Essex (HHE) has revealed a new look at its Chelmsford centre, thanks to a £5,000 grant donated by Provide, an Essex-based community interest company that delivers health and social care across East Anglia.
The grant funded a new window display at the charity’s Chelmsford base and will enable expansion to offer tinnitus support sessions and equipment.
The money has come from the Provide Foundation, which reinvests any surplus funds back into the community.
The Provide Foundation supports voluntary and community organisations that are delivering projects which improve the health and well-being of Essex residents.
Todorina Hammond, Service Development Manager at HHE, said: “We are thrilled. This kind donation will have a huge impact on our organisation.
“Our window display was in great need of modernisation, and it is wonderful to be able to demonstrate what we do in a more attractive and interactive way.
“Until now, we have not had a chance to even dream about that, especially after a very challenging and immensely difficult year.”
As an essential service, HHE stayed open during the lockdown periods and despite all difficulties managed to secure a space for its Resource Centre in Chelmsford where it offers assistive equipment demonstrations, advice and guidance on hearing loss and sessions for NHS hearing aid maintenance.
The team managed to decorate the resource room with donations, borrowed and recycled items, but a new window display was beyond their reach.
Todorina added: “With the rest of the money we would like to offer tinnitus support sessions at the Resource Centre and be able to lend equipment for tinnitus.
“The biggest challenge for people who are living with tinnitus is that what works for one, does not really help others.
“We are working to map what services are currently offered and what is missing, so we can fill in the gaps in the services.”
Nicola Yarnall, Chairperson of the Council of Governors at Provide, said: “We are delighted to have been able to donate this money to Hearing Help Essex and the wonderful work they do across Essex.
“As a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to transform lives, Provide reinvests surplus income back into the community through the Provide Foundation to support the vital work of the voluntary and community organisations which improve the health and well-being of local people.
“Hearing Help Essex is a great example of an organisation offering invaluable support and services, and we are delighted to be able to support that work through grant funding.”
