WE ARE writing to express our concern that the 575,500 people with hearing loss in Wales are being left more isolated due to spending cuts.
Freedom of Information requests by the charity Action on Hearing Loss Cymru show that since 2010/11 local authorities have cut spending on equipment for people of all ages with hearing loss by an average of 15 per cent – with several slashing budgets by over 50 per cent – despite the number of people in Wales with hearing loss now rising to over 575,500.
These cuts on equipment such as specialist telephones, visual alarms and personal listening devices mean that there are now more people than ever facing isolation, loneliness and mental health issues in Wales.
Our organisations are calling on Welsh Government and local authorities to improve access to this important equipment which keeps people safe and well, and in touch with their friends and family. More details about our campaign can be seen at actiononhearingloss.org.uk/accessdenied
Richard Williams, Action on Hearing Loss Cymru
Paul Redfern, British Deaf Association
Lesley Allen, Deafblind UK
Wendy Marshall, Hearing Link
Jayne Dulson, National Deaf Childrens Society Cymru
Sarah Matthews, North Wales Deaf Association
Simon Carnell, Sense Cymru
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