Hearing Link and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People merge

News Release: 18 July

Hearing Link and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People merge

HRH The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of charities Hearing Link and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, today attended the Hearing Dogs Board Meeting where the Chairman announced its forthcoming harmonious merger with Hearing Link on 1st August 2017. The Princess Royal will continue as Royal Patron of the merged charities. In common with many small charities, the challenging and competitive fundraising environment has proved extremely difficult for Hearing Link.

By merging with Hearing Dogs, and incorporating Hearing Link as a distinct service within the larger charity, Hearing Link’s future work is secured and they can plan with confidence to deliver life-changing services to ever-increasing numbers of people. Hearing Link’s name will not change, and their services will continue to run as before, but with the stability of a much larger charity to strengthen their work. The merger between Hearing Link and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People means that even more people with hearing loss will have wider access to advice and support about their hearing. The charities’ work complement each other, helping people adjust to the practical and emotional challenges that hearing loss can bring, leading to increased independence and confidence – and ultimately significantly improved overall well being.

Lorraine Gailey, Chief Executive of Hearing Link, says: “Our values and aims are so closely aligned, it was a natural move for us to come together to create a stable future for Hearing Link, where we can reach even more people and their families, offering even better support for as long as they need us.” Hearing Link’s Chairman, Nigel Williams, agrees: “This development, as funding cuts continue to bite, ensures our ongoing activities are financially sustainable within a strong and effective organisation. It enables to ensure all the efforts generously provided by our volunteers, and all the funds kindly donated by our supporters are used to pursue our charitable purpose. We can carry on doing what we are best at – working to enable people to participate fully and confidently in life, whatever their level of hearing.” Michele Jennings, Chief Executive of Hearing Dogs, says: “The wealth of knowledge and expertise within Hearing Link will now be made available to even more people through the development opportunities provided by the combination of our more than 100 years of experience in helping deaf people.”

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For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Lorraine Gailey, Chief Executive Email: lorraine.gailey@hearinglink.orgi Tel/SMS: 07912 268901

Notes to Editors

Frequently Asked Questions For more details about the merger, visit https://www.hearinglink.org/uncategorized/hearing-link-hearing-dogs-merger/

About Hearing Link Hearing Link is a UK charity for people who have developed any level of hearing loss and their family and friends. It provides information and support and puts them in contact with others who have similar experiences. It aims to give people the knowledge, skills, confidence and contacts so they can more easily manage the practical and emotional challenges that hearing loss brings. It works across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information, visit http://www.hearinglink.org

About Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to household sounds and anger signals such as the doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm – providing life-changing independence and confidence. Hearing Dogs provide a national service and no charge is made to recipients. www.hearingdogs.org.uk