Chairpersons report 6/5/2025
At the last AGM I was excited for the future, we had a new Teacher Of Deaf, as well as a new audiologist (or 1.5 audiologists) I felt that the future was looking really positive for our children.
But… as is the nature with these things, its orgnanic, always changing, situations change, people come and go.
We were sorry to see Nicola who was the acting Teacher Of Deaf leave over the summer, but we were fortunate to have another temporary Teacher Of Deaf, Jess, who brought yet more new idea’s, and yet more of a positive impact on the children and their parents, she is also great at promoting our charity, in the last few months we have been in contact with 4 new families. Jess is unfortunately leaving after her contract finishes over the summer but the good news is that Education has now advertised for a permanent position as Teacher Of Deaf. This will give us the much longed for stability for newly diagnosed babies all through their education.
Audiology, we were sad to learn that Mel was leaving her position earlier this year, at the moment, we have a locum at MSG & also Steve. As a result of a recent external review in audiology that the CHSWG pushed for, the Audiology Department is currently being discussed by MSG and HSC, I am hopeful that we will see some positive changes soon.
Lets move onto our calendar for the previous year, it’s a bit of a short year for my report because the last AGM was June, later in the year than usual.
29th June – Rib Voyage, we had a full boat, it was a wonderful ride, good time had by all, perfect weather, puffins and seals were spotted.
September – we held a CHSWG meeting, this stands for Childrens Services Working Group, its attended by professionals
that work with our children to give them an opportunity to discus any ways to improve the support and care that the children receive. We have an update on each department such as whats happening to waiting lists or any changes that are happening.
17th December – Round Table Xmas Fayre at Beau Sejour – Human fruit Machine, had to see it to believe it, we got lots of attention because we were so noisy, next time I have a feeling that they will stick us in a room on our own. We also had lots of homemade treats by Gill including a Christmas Cake and a Gingerbread House. We raised £281.95.
22nd December – Ice Skating 4 adults and 7 children including a new family. Good festive fun. We handed out the left over sweets from the Xmas Fayre, plus some chocolate coins to the children.
New Year.
27th January another CHSWG meeting this is when we learned that Mel was leaving but it gave us the opportunity to get straight in touch with MSG to find out what their plans for a replacement was, and to make sure there were no gaps in the service.
8th February, swimming 12 people including 2 new families enjoyed the pool to themselves, I particularly like this event because every one knows that there are people in the pool with a hearing loss, including the staff. Drinks and home made cookies were well received by the swimmers after burning all their energy in the water.
22nd March Climbing I booked a slot at the Everest challenge at Le Murier during the quiet hour. 3 families came as well as me and Stella, 11 climbers all together. we did have another family come but the quiet hour was still a bit too noisy for them. It was a good opportunity for those who climbed to try different levels.
Future events..
We will be at the Living well with hearing loss event on 17th May organised by the Hard of Hearing Association.
22nd June we are planning a football event.
Enjoying a ride on the Rib again in July
Then Pottery Painting Sept, Oct time.
Making a racket at the xmas Fayre with our new and improved lot machine.
In the background we now have a new website, new leaflets printed.
We have purchased some items for Sensory Support, a teddy with a cochlea implant, some care packages to hand out to the children to help them look after their hearing aids.