Brian Monnier
Treasurer
“I have been involved with the group for a couple of years as a volunteer maintaining hearing aids in 3 clinics. I have recently joined the board as I believe this is a great group and I wanted to get involved with the mechanics of running such a group. I find it very satisfying on a personal level and also on a level that I am able to help support people in my local community with hearing loss.”
John Gillan
Trustee
As a retired teacher I was looking for something to occupy my time when Ann Ferguson entered my life courtesy of my wife’s yoga class. Ann told me of the work of the Hard of Hearing Group and suggested I come along to a Board of Trustees meeting to see if it was something I was interested in joining. I enjoyed the meeting and felt I could contribute and so I joined in October 2023. Joining the group has increased my awareness of difficulties of being hard of hearing and how isolating that can be.
Jon Joy
Secretary
Having just turned 60, though still feel and sometimes act like I’m in my 20s, and being forced to semi retire for health reasons, I unexpectedly found myself with that rare precious commodity – time.
After visiting and using the services of my local drop in to get a tube for an aid, and after chatting to the volunteer, I signed up. It was clear I could be useful here!
I have had hearing related issues since birth and now wear a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) so am well acquainted with the whole world of hearing loss.
It’s now been over 12 months and it’s just become so much clearer how valuable the service that we offer is. For someone to come to a centre feeling frustrated because their aid “isn’t working”, to go out with a smile on their face for the sake of a new tube – priceless!
I also have other skills learnt over the years that can be utilised to help keep the DGHHG going and expanding so accepted a request for me to join the board. And I’m honoured to do so.
Alan Johnstone
Trustee
“I had used the drop-in clinics for several years whilst I was working. When I retired I signed up as a volunteer and have been maintaining hearing aids at three drop-in clinics in the Stewartry for 9 years. I was recently asked if I would join the board of trustees which I was happy to do as I believe my experience as a volunteer will stand me in good stead.
I spent my working life as a chartered civil engineer in several local authorities. Whilst working I spent a number of years volunteering as an RNLI crew member and as a special constable.”
RU JARVIS
Chairperson
Having worked as the Service Development Officer for the charity I am now delighted to take up my new role as a Trustee for the Hard of Hearing Group; a position which allows me to continue as part of this organisation which plays a vital role in supporting the people of the Dumfries and Galloway hearing loss community.
In a former life I have worked in both the third sector and the NHS.
kenneth baxter
Trustee
“I have been a volunteer for several years at various clinics to support hard of hearing people like myself with advice on how to maintain and get the best from their hearing aids. I find the work rewarding as I wear hearing aids and understand how essential they are for everyday living and the effect it has on our quality of life when they are not working properly.
I hope to continue supporting others at the clinics and the DGHHG as a trustee with knowledge of some of the issues hard of hearing folk have to contend with and the benefit of having the group to support them.”
