People in Dorset who are visually and/or hearing impaired are being encouraged to share their experiences of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dorset Council, Citizens Advice and other advice agencies, want to understand the issues people with hearing and/or visual impairments have faced during lockdown in order to inform and improve how services are provided in future.
A short survey has been launched online and will run until 25 October 2020.
It asks people how they feel they have coped over the last six months, whether they feel they have been supported, and what barriers they have experienced when accessing support or services.
It also aims to find out what technology people use to access information and which channels of information they use, for instance social media, radio, television or word of mouth.
Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“As someone with a hearing impairment who uses hearing aids, I know it’s vitally important that our residents can access the help and services they need.
“We’re keen to know what the last six months have been like for people with hearing and/or visual impairments so that we can learn and make improvements to our services where needed.
“If you think we can learn from your experiences, or those of someone you know, I would urge you to take part in the survey and give your views.”
Take part in the survey online.
The survey can be accessed online and is open until Sunday 25 October.
It can be completed anonymously though it will be useful for us to have some information about which area you live in and your specific condition(s) or impairment.
If you need the survey in an alternative format, please contact Susan Ward-Rice on 01305 224368.
Help for people struggling financially
Dorset Council together with Citizens Advice Dorset is reaching out to anyone struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support is available if you are:
- having difficulties paying the rent or mortgage
- struggling to keep up with bill payments
- facing redundancy
- needing to claim free school meals or benefits
- in need of mental health or relationship support
To talk to someone who can help, call the Dorset Citizens Advice 0344 411 1444 or find out more about the support available at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/reaching-out
I have a hearing aid which has. Become uncomfortable to wear and it comes apart into two sections. It needs attention but as I am 91yrs old I find it difficult to get around. Is there any house service?
My husband passed away in July and it was heart attack and being without his hearing batteries which is a disgrace ,didn’t help.