The Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA), founded over a century ago, plays a central role in the local Deaf Community. Volunteers are essential in providing support, especially in such a large rural county. They help CDA connect with the most isolated deaf individuals.

Volunteers; Mary, Nick, and Doris share their stories.

Mary

I volunteer at St Ives, Chatteris and Huntingdon. My role is like reception. I greet the attendees on arrival and ask them a few questions which I record on a form and also dispense hearing aid batteries if required. This is recorded on a form which is then taken by one of our technicians (when free) to do repairs/cleaning or what is required. There are chairs set out for the people to sit on and wait their turn. Once all is completed, I put the information on to a tablet.

I had a good friend who did this role before me and she loved it but was moving away. Without hesitation I asked her if she thought I would be suitable for the role and luckily I was. 

Volunteering has given me a new lease of life. Retired and new to the area it has given me a very enjoyable purpose in helping people and also working with a lovely friendly team. The attendees like a chat and I am happy to oblige.

We have a lady who attends one of the clinics and I was very touched that she gave me a Christmas present, it was lovely to feel appreciated.

I can honestly say that I feel totally supported and appreciated in my role. I have never been made to feel that I cannot approach any of the team if required.

Volunteering makes me happy to know that with the volunteering technicians we have enhanced the quality of these peoples’ lives.

If you have ever thought about volunteering, do it. It is great experience and also helps others. I have never looked back since I started and you meet such nice people. It has certainly changed my life for the better and it could do the same for you, so why not give it a try - you have nothing to lose.

Nick

When I retired, I knew I wanted to find a way to give back to my community, especially in a way that made use of the technical skills I'd built up over the years. That's when I came across Cambridgeshire Deaf Association and discovered an opportunity to help maintain hearing aids for those who rely on them.

This role resonated with me on a personal level. My mother, who struggled with hearing loss, lived in an area where there was no similar service. Her hearing aids often didn't function as well as they should have, which left her more isolated than she needed to be. It was frustrating to watch, knowing that such a small adjustment could have made such a big difference in her quality of life.

That memory stayed with me, and when I learned about the chance to help others keep their hearing aids in top condition, I didn't hesitate. I saw it as a way to ensure that others wouldn't face the same challenges my mother had.

Volunteering with Cambridgeshire Deaf Association has been incredibly fulfilling. I get so much out of the personal contact I have with hearing aid users. Spending time with them has been a truly rewarding part of the experience. Knowing that I'm helping to improve their quality of life - whether it's by enabling them to hear a loved one's voice more clearly or by giving them greater confidence in social settings - gives me a profound sense of fulfilment.

I've met so many remarkable people and seen first-hand how a small technical adjustment or a routine check-up can transform someone's ability to engage with the world around them. It's not just about maintaining devices - it's about ensuring that people can continue to connect, communicate, and stay involved in their communities.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in this way, and I often think of my mother as I work. I know she would be proud of what I'm doing, and I'm proud to play a small part in supporting those who rely on this vital service.

Doris

I started offering to volunteer at Hearing Help when I first retired. I saw an advert requesting volunteers in my local village magazine. Using hearing aids myself, I thought this is something I may be able to do!

There was a training program where new recruits were introduced to the background of the organisation and the types of hearing aids most commonly used. A supervisor organises the equipment, volunteers can help in various capacities, welcoming and logging clients in on arrival, or more hands on by servicing client’s hearing aids.

Several years later, I find myself still enjoying my two mornings a month at two different centres where I enjoy the company of other volunteers whilst helping local people keep their hearing aids working well! 

Through volunteering, I know more people in my village and feel I am using a few hours of my time making positive contribution to the community. There are many venues to volunteer at, mornings or afternoons. There’s a feeling of being appreciated. 

I would definitely ask you to consider volunteering with CDA Hearing Help - it’s a pleasant use of time!