Businesses Specsavers Newark, Strays coffee shop fund lipreading classes for hearing loss community

Three organisations come together to fully fund lipreading classes to support those with hearing loss in Newark.

Specsavers Newark, Strays coffee shop and lipreading coach Helen Barrow have organised ten lipreading classes, starting on January 19.

The classes will run from 10.30am until 12pm and are open to anyone who suffers with hearing impairment.

The sessions will be hosted by Strays coffee shop, taking place in their coffee lounge weekly.

Specsavers Newark audiology director Jake Tyers said: “This is an idea I have had for a while, but thanks to the support and ideas of Matt from Strays and Helen we’ve been able to turn it into a reality.

"We know only too well the impact hearing loss has on people’s wellbeing in terms of feelings of isolation and so, hopefully these sessions will not only give people in our community the skills to allow them to communicate more easily but also will provide a social and enjoyable environment for them to be in.”

People attending the lipreading classes will benefit from a 50% discount on any purchases at Strays on the day of the sessions.

Classes will be run by Helen Barrow, a qualified lip reading tutor, who has struggled with hearing loss herself.

“I’m delighted to be involved in this initiative and am really excited for January when the classes get underway,” said Helen.

“Lipreading can help those with hearing loss to better understand what they see and hear, enabling them to take a more active part in conversations.

“Our aim is to offer a fun session, set in a lovely, relaxed environment and with great coffee.”

Anyone interested to learn more about the classes or enrol, can contact Helen on email Hello@lipreading.me.uk or on 07976 268810.

Alternatively, visit Specsavers Newark or Strays coffee shop, both located at Middlegate.