RE the article about Aster Communities’ Men in Sheds campaign, where it was said there were about 300 men identified as living on their own in Aster properties in Andover.
Aster’s intention is to create a group of men over 50 to have activities and perhaps opportunities to pass on skills.
One in six adults has a hearing loss, so quite possibly at least 40-50 of those men have a hearing loss and the consequent lack of confidence.
Social isolation is worsened by deafness. Gaining confidence would help these men to overcome the isolation and become involved in whatever activity they had an interest in.
Support is already available for people with hearing loss in and around Andover. I teach lipreading to adults – this includes strategies to manage in various situations as well as the opportunity to mix with others similarly affected.
Men are often reluctant to admit to having a hearing loss. It is a fact that most of my students are women.
May I suggest Aster could usefully guide the men with hearing loss to one of my three free lipreading classes by putting them in contact either on 07984 721990 (please use text) or preferably e-mail at lipreadbarrie@gmail.com There is also a Hard of Hearing Club that meets monthly, run by Chris Read on 02380 766138.
The deputy mayor of Test Valley, Iris Andersen runs an over-50s club at King Arthur’s Hall on alternate Wednesday afternoons. That has a wide variety of interesting activities, and would welcome new members.
Barrie Wickens, of Linton Drive, Andover
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