We were surprised and delighted when the Shears Foundation recently awarded us nearly double the amount of funding that we applied for, to support our wellbeing and emotional support in the North of England.
The Shears Foundation is involved with a diverse range of causes, and we are so pleased to have their support. Their focus is on supporting causes in the North East of England, York, Harrogate, Greater Manchester and The City of Bradford.
This funding will support our befriending, virtual social groups and assistive technology support for people living with sight and hearing loss across these areas.
Bruce Warnes, Trustee & Grant Manager said: “This is a ‘top up’ system for a few selected applications that the trustees feel are going above and beyond to meet a very real social need.”
Gerry Reilly, our Head of Trusts Fundraising, said: “The Shears Foundation were clearly impressed by the contribution that our volunteers make, and part of their funding will be utilised in recruiting, training, and stewarding our volunteer cohort. It’s just really lovely when a funder is so positive about our work and the difference that we make on behalf of our members.”
Some of the services this funding will help to support include:
Befriending: living with deafblindness can be lonely and isolating. Our befriending service provides regular company and the support of a friendship from one of our dedicated volunteer befrienders by phone, text or email.
Social groups: these are a safe space for people living with sight and hearing loss, their family, carers and support workers to meet new people and catch up with friends.
Technology support: our technology support service supports people who are deafblind to make the most of technology to be as independent as possible. Our dedicated team are on hand to provide assistance personalising existing technology, setting up new devices and recommend new ones.
To find out more about our wellbeing and emotional support, please click here.
Further information about the Shears Foundation is available on their website.
