Local MP, David Rutley, has given his backing to the Veterans Hearing Fund, at a meeting with Ms Clare Kewney, Chief Executive of Veterans Hearing Support, one of a number of organisations that is working to help deliver the Fund.
Ms Kewney explained to David that the Fund is supported by proceeds from the LIBOR banking scandal fine. It is overseen by the Royal British Legion (RBL), with the aim of processing applications for fully funded hearing and tinnitus support for veterans. To date, Veterans Hearing Support has taken forward approximately £2 million of applications, on behalf of around 1,300 veterans, with an almost 100 per cent success rate for claimants. Each approved application, worth on average £4,300, enables a veteran to have access to the advice, support and equipment they need to combat hearing loss or tinnitus.
At their meeting, David and Ms Kewney discussed the important role that the many organisations that work with veterans in local communities can be play in helping to spread awareness about the fund, and to ensure that the needs of veterans with hearing loss are being met. These organisations include: Age UK's Joining Forces programme, Help for Heroes, the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, and Health and Wellbeing Days.
Any local organisations interested in learning more about the Fund can find more information on the RBL website: https://support.britishlegion.org.uk/app/answers/detail/a_id/1633/~/veterans-hearing-fund. Veterans may also contact the Fund directly, for advice on what hearing support they may be eligible for. There is more information about the Fund at: www.veteranshearingsupport.co.uk
Speaking after his meeting, David said, "It is vital that those who have served our country in our Armed Forces receive the help and support they need with any health challenges that they face, including hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veterans Hearing Fund is an important way of ensuring that this occurs, and I encourage local veterans welfare organisations to see how they can raise awareness of the Fund, to ensure that veterans with hearing impairments can continue to be more fully addressed.”