Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA) is overjoyed to announce the launch of a life-changing befriending scheme, made possible by generous funding from Cambridgeshire County Council and the Childwick Trust.
This initiative will bring warmth, companionship, and practical support to older individuals across Cambridgeshire struggling with hearing loss – many of whom face heartbreaking isolation every single day.
For those who experience the silent struggle of hearing loss, the world can feel unbearably lonely. But with this new programme, CDA aims to change that.
By expanding its highly respected befriending service, the charity will introduce a range of inclusive social events designed to bring people together and rebuild lost connections.
These include captioned tours, lipreading sessions, coffee mornings, walks, and light exercise classes – each one offering an opportunity for laughter, friendship, and a renewed sense of belonging.
“We are absolutely thrilled to launch this new befriending programme,” said Riley Astrup, Hearing Help Service Manager at CDA.
“No one should have to face the pain of isolation simply because of hearing loss. This initiative is about restoring joy, confidence, and companionship to those who need it most.”
To make this vision a reality, CDA will be recruiting a dedicated volunteer coordinator to organise regular social groups and events throughout Cambridgeshire. The charity is also calling on local volunteers to step forward and help support those who feel cut off from the world, offering them the gift of friendship and understanding.
Many attendees of CDA’s hearing aid maintenance drop-in sessions have shared the deep loneliness they experience daily. This programme is designed to change that -ensuring that no one has to feel invisible or unheard.
“I have witnessed how devastating isolation can be for those with hearing loss,” Astrup added. “A simple conversation, a friendly face, or a shared moment of laughter can mean everything. That’s why this project is so important – it has the power to change lives.”
Beyond fostering social connections, this initiative also addresses the alarming link between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Research from Johns Hopkins University reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia and experience cognitive decline 30-40% faster than their peers. By encouraging engagement and interaction, this programme is not just about emotional well-being – it’s about protecting long-term health, too.
CDA is urging the community to get involved – whether by volunteering, spreading the word, or supporting loved ones who could benefit from this initiative.
For more information about Cambridgeshire Deaf Association’s new befriending scheme, please visit https://cambsdeaf.org.
