A WINCHESTER opticians has donated a listening device to volunteers at the local branch of the Samaritans.
Listening volunteers answer the phones for the Samaritans at its branch in Upper High Street.
Piers Armstrong stepped down from the position in autumn last year due to hearing problems, but has now re-joined after finding out about a bluetooth adapter that transmits phone calls straight to his hearing aids.
Mr Armstrong approached Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, in St George's Street, who were able to lend him the device. Since then, they have donated two more devices for the volunteers.
READ MORE: What to look out for at the Romsey Show this year?
On Thursday August 3, the Mayor of Winchester Angela Clear attended a presentation at the opticians.
Lee Janes, Leightons area manager, said: “We're absolutely delighted to support the work the Samaritans do. The hearing clip can help the volunteers support people when they really need it.
“It's so important that people look after their mental health. Also hearing is important, it makes people feel so isolated. It's great that we have been able to help.”
Wayne Fletcher, Winchester Samaritans director, said: “We provide emotional support to anyone who needs us, so we answer the phone to our callers. Listening is the service we provide. So for our volunteers to be able to do that is essential. This gives our volunteers the confidence to hear our callers clearly.”
For more details about the Samaritans, visit: samaritans.org/branches/winchester/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here