Nutley Edge gives adults with learning disabilities a chance to feel empowered
Nutley Edge is an inspiring holiday site that gives adults with learning disabilities and on the autism spectrum a chance to feel empowered Adults with learning disabilities and autism are some of the most vulnerable people in society when it comes to feeling isolated, forgotten and misunderstood. Often having a ‘normal’ life can be a daily battle and going on holiday seems like an impossible dream. Outward, a charity in London that works to help adults with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have greater choice, independence and control over how they live their lives – opened a holiday site in 2012 with the hope of turning that dream into a reality. The holiday site called Nutley Edge hosts group holidays specifically for adults with learning disabilities and ASD. They call these group holidays ‘Activity Breaks’, because they include trips and activities for the guests to take part in throughout their stay, while also giving them time to relax and enjoy the tranquillity and slow pace of country life. On these Activity Breaks guests feel included, accepted and empowered by staff and other guests through the genuine connections they make, being able to help staff with daily tasks and having people that truly care – look out for them. One guest who attends 3-4 Activity Breaks each year stated that “she felt the happiest she had in a long time due to the staff and guests.” Many who attend for the first time find it quite daunting because it’s a new experience but all who fear it are happy they attended, with many returning again with a friend or even arranging a return trip with new friends they made on the Activity Breaks. One guest; a 20 year old woman with complex health and support needs had a 1:1 support worker in place when she attended her first activity break. It was her first holiday away from her parents where she did not know anyone, but she thrived and showed how content she could be in a new environment. She now attends regularly and her parents are so pleased, saying “Wow, such an amazing place, Nutley Edge is so secure, so safe and a really beautiful setting. The Themed Activities are amazing and really well thought out and planned. Very person centred and every member of staff always puts the person first. Our daughter especially enjoys going shopping and to the Seaside. The staff always give feedback about what she has done. Medication is given to her by the staff, as well as her care. We are so happy and very confident with everyone and everything at Nutley Edge”. More information about the Activity Breaks at Nutley Edge can be found on www.nutleyedge.org.uk/charitable-activities/specialist-activity-breaks/
Devon couple fund support service for family carers
A donation left by a couple from Sidmouth is set to fund two more years of a vital service for family carers for people with learning disabilities. The Family Carer Support Service, delivered by national learning disability charity Hft, offers free support to any family carer in England who has a relative with a learning disability or autism. Providing support to 350 families in 2019, the service aims to empower carers to exercise their rights and navigate statutory services, while also offering one-to-one support, email and letter correspondence, local workshops, and resources. Thanks to a donation from Norman and Jean Morrison, whose son was supported by Hft for over 40 years until his death in 2017, this crucial support system will continue to provide guidance to families around the country. As dedicated members of the charity, Norman and Jean were keen to leave a donation behind that would contribute to Hft’s efforts to support adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. When the pair passed away, they left a gift in their will to Hft’s charitable services, with the Family Carer Support Service subsequently selected for funding. The donation is set to pay for the core costs of the service over the next 18 to 24 months – including three staff members who provide guidance and support for family carers, and information about subjects that affect them and their relatives. Funds will also contribute to the cost of running workshops and producing resources, as well as contributing to the running costs of the service’s free phone line, which receives over 300 enquiries per year. As part of their work, the team examine decision making around funding to help ensure that care packages are assigned fairly, while also providing emotional and moral support to families along the way. Kelly Jones, Family Carer Support Service Manager, said: “We all want the best for our family, but for relatives of people with learning disabilities who rely on statutory funding, there can be obstacles. Through our services, we aim to empower families and take away some of the isolation and loneliness that can come with being a carer. “We supported 350 families last year, and demand for this kind of service is only increasing – we’re now seeing an average of 25 new families coming to us per month. We’re funded solely by fundraised income, and it’s thanks to people like Mr and Mrs Morrison leaving gifts in their wills that we’ll be able to continue helping people to navigate the health and social care system. As parents of someone with a learning disability, Jean and Norman truly understood how challenging it can be to navigate this system. It’s therefore very fitting that their incredible donation will help us to support many more families to more easily work their way through the process.” Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work, and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities. As well as the Family Carer Support Service, other projects funded by the charity include a friendship and dating service and support with assistive technology.
Waddle on down to Safari Zoo for a pawesome day out!
Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 of the most rare and endangered animals in unique natural environments, which enable you to get as close as physically possible to experience the amazing species with which we share our planet. Many of our residents play a key role in Endangered Species Breeding Programmes so join one of our daily talks to find out more about how you can help to conserve species in the wild.With enriched environments recreating natural habitats, watch big cats hunt for their lunch. Wander alongside free-roaming Wallabies, Grey and Red Kangaroos, Four species of Endangered Lemurs, Capybara (the largest rodent in the world), Muntjacs, Mara, Marmots, Emus, Greater Rhea, Ducks, Geese, Swans and more in the World Wide Safari area. Take a trip to Africa to observe as White Rhino, Zebra, Wildebeest and Kordofan Giraffes roam the Savannah. Be amazed as Spoonbills and Macaws soar overhead. Get involved with hand feedings, book a close encounter of the furry kind or even be a zookeeper for the day! Venture into Illescas where Condors and Vultures fly free! Home to 4 big cat species, Safari Zoo is the purrrrfect place for cat lovers to get close to Lions, Snow Leopards, Tigers and Jaguars. Daily Hand Feedings! Hand feed penguins, giraffes, lemurs or even one of the resident Big Cats each and every day in our daily feeding and talk programme. You can find an animal encounter for every animal lover here at Safari Zoo. Join one of our knowledgeable and friendly keepers who have the “koalafications” to make sure you have a “whale” of a time for a close encounter of the furry kind allows you to get close to your chosen animal, from joining helping with care routines, helping with feeding or helping with enrichment. Hang with Two-Toed Sloth Stanley in the Two-Toed Sloth Encounter, Experience Severe Eyelash Envy meeting our Critically Endangered Kordofan Giraffe tower in the Kordofan Giraffe Experience, Our extensive Gift Shop offers a range of unique gifts, souvenirs and momentos of your trip to Safari Zoo. We are constantly adding to ranges, including Sarah Miller, Sophie Allport, Sophie La Giraffe, Rainbow Creations, Emily Smith, Ulster Weavers, Sass & Belle, Fizz Creations and many, many more! We are just 20 minutes from Lake Windermere – From Junction 36 of the M6 follow the signs for Barrow-In-Furness on the A590 and look for the Brown Elephant Signs. Guaranteed to be a day you will never fur-get! www.southlakessafarizoo.com
Dorset attractions ready to welcome more Deaf visitors
Three unique heritage attractions in Dorset are aiming to welcome more Deaf visitors than ever before this year, by introducing their first-ever British Sign Language (BSL) tours. Moors Valley Country Park, Lulworth Cove and RSPB Arne in Dorset, have all introduced new filmed BSL tours to their available accessibility guides. These tours help to welcome more BSL users to the sites, and ensure they receive information in a format that meets their needs. According to the British Deaf Association, there are over 87,000 Deaf people in the UK using BSL as their preferred language. As English is their second, or even in some cases third language, they may not have the level of understanding expected. So just providing vast amounts of written interpretation on site will not solve this problem for them. The tours developed by Heritage Ability, a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage fund, were created to break down the barriers faced by Deaf BSL users when visiting heritage attractions in the South West, helping them to relax and get more from their visit. The Heritage Ability team worked closely with all three heritage sites to ensure the tours produced included all the essential information while allowing Deaf BSL users to shape the process and the information signed. Each of the BSL tours was developed in collaboration with a volunteer Deaf BSL signer, who visited the sites to learn the unique history. Then the signer was filmed presenting the essential information in a way that would be both engaging and informative to other Deaf BSL users. Each of these filmed clips was then transferred onto a tablet, for visitors to use at their own pace around the sites. Paul Valentine, the volunteer Deaf BSL signer, featured on all three Dorset attraction’s BSL tours, stated: “I’m so happy that more attractions are seeing the benefit of having signed BSL tours available for Deaf visitors. I got so much from visits; I really hope the new tours encourage more Deaf people to get out and enjoy what’s on their doorstep.” The new BSL tours are now available at each of the three Dorset attractions. The tablets can be booked in advance and collected from reception on arrival. The clips are also available on the Heritage Ability YouTube channel, for visitors to view on their own devices. Eleanor Sunderland, Visitor Experience Manager for RSPB Arne, said “We’re really pleased that RSPB Arne has teamed up with Heritage Ability to offer a tablet showing a BSL tour of the site, with information on the reserve and its wildlife! The diversity of habitats, including the incredibly rare lowland heathland at RPSB Arne, has an array of rare wildlife that all find a home in this special place. Now visitors who use BSL can follow the trails around the reserve using the information on the video clips, which is fantastic!” Jim Gale, Visitor Services Ranger at the Lulworth Estate, stated: “We are delighted to again work alongside Heritage Ability in this latest initiative to improve our sites accessibility. Building on an array of up and running provisions including deaf and disability training for our staff and Lulworth’s Tramper, a BSL tour will only add further value to our growing number of visitors”. Heritage Ability is a project of Living Options Devon (LOD), a local user-led charity. All LOD projects are developed or supported by people who have a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by disabled people and Deaf BSL users. Heather Brown, Deputy CEO of Living Options Devon, said: “The inclusion of filmed BSL tours helps to open up heritage attractions for the Deaf community. Enabling them to visit and receive information in a format they feel most comfortable with, and a better understanding can be assured. “Heritage Ability has now developed over 21 BSL tours for attractions across the South West. We look forward to working with many more sites, as they begin to see the benefit of making their sites more accessible.” Moors Valley Country Park, Lulworth Cove and the RSPB Arne are open throughout the winter season. For more information or to hire the tablet, contact the sites (websites and contact details shown below).
Win the new Nextbase dash-cam 522GW and protect your Motability today – CLOSED
Nextbase, the UK’s top-selling and multi award-winning dash cam manufacturer, has released the final instalment in its Series 2 range – the 522GW. It is the most technologically advanced in the range, containing ground-breaking technology and boasting an array of world-first features. At three inches, the 522GW boasts a larger HD IPS touch screen than its counterparts in Nextbase’s award-winning Series 2 range. A user’s playback experience will be further heightened by the footage itself, as the camera possesses a 140-degree viewing angle that has been shot by a six-layer glass camera lens. Capturing in 1440p at 30fps, or 1080p at 60fps respectively, the product guarantees crystal clear image quality. The 522GW is also equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, which facilitates Nextbase’s new Autosync function. Autosync makes sharing and saving footage from the Dash Cam easier than ever before. Using Bluetooth 4.2 low-energy technology, files can be transferred to a smartphone in a matter of seconds. Once on a phone, it is quick and easy to edit and share the video with an insurer using the MyNextbase Connect App (on Android and iOS).Nextbase Autosync also ensures that the 522GW is automatically connected to the owner’s phone as soon as they enter the vehicle. This facilitates the Alexa voice-control and Emergency SOS functions. The product’s Emergency SOS system has the potential to help save lives on the roads. In the event of an accident where the driver is unresponsive, or unable to move, Nextbase Emergency SOS can alert the emergency services to their exact location, as well as let them know any important details about the victim beforehand – such as allergies and blood type. The 522GW is also one of two new products in the Nextbase range to be the first ever to include built-in Alexa voice control. Just like the in-home Alexa, users can ask Alexa to skip a song, find directions, or control smart home devices whilst on the move. However, having it built-in to the vehicle allows a motorist to perform all of these tasks, as well as to control the Dash Cam itself, without having to take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. Following its launch earlier in 2019, the 522GW has gone on to win multiple awards. It was awarded the ‘Best Dash Cam’ Award by T3, and also recognised as the ‘Innovation of the Year’ by Sunday Times Driving during its inaugural Awards ceremony. Which? has given the product Best Buy status, whilst the 522GW was named ‘Dash Camera of the Year’, by Honest John. The 522GW is available at a RRP of £149.00 from high street supplies such as Halfords, Currys, and Argos, both online and in store. Nextbase Specifications: To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize please follow the Raffelcopter link below: a Rafflecopter giveaway *The administrator of this competition is the UCAN2 magazine (“administrator”). By participating in the competition, each Entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Administrator, which shall be final and binding in all respects. Administrator is responsible for the collection, submission or processing of Entries and the overall administration of the competition. Entrants should look solely to Administrator with any questions, comments or problems related to the Competition. Administrator may be reached by email at socialmedia@euromediaal.com during the Promotion Period. * This giveaway will close at 12.00am, 20th April 2020.* The prize is a new Nextbase dash-cam 522GW. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable. There is no cash alternative.* Open to UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees of the Administrator, the sponsor, their families and anyone else professionally connected with this promotion. * The prize winner will be asked to provide their email address so that contact can be made to arrange prize delivery, and their name and county be published in the next issue of the magazine * By entering the competition, you grant the Administrator permission to add your details to the mailing list, share your email address and any other personally identifiable information with the other competition Entities for the purpose of administration and prize fulfillment, including use in a publicly available Winners list.* Entries will only be accepted as instructed and any entrant that does not complete the qualifying requirements will be disqualified * The winners will be chosen using the random entry selector built into the widget.* The winners will be informed by email within 5 days of the closing date, and must respond within 5 days to claim their prize. If there is no response within the 1 day a new winner will be drawn at random.*This prize draw is governed by English law and the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising in connection with it.For further T&C and our privacy policy please see here Euromedia Associates Ltd: Privacy Policy https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/66331438/legal
Are we doing enough to support disabilities on public transport?
Two globe-trotting wheelchair users have spoken out on the difficulties they regularly face while travelling on public transport including rail and aviation to do more to remove the obstacles stifling their thirst for adventure. Anne Luttman-Johnson and Chris Wood offered a candid insight into the difficulties they face on a day-to-day basis in a revealing new podcast – ‘Let’s talk about it’ – hosted by law firm Irwin Mitchell. The podcast discusses matters affecting those living with disabilities and explores the challenges they face in different spheres, with previous episodes focusing on money, sport and employment. Luttman-Johnson and Wood were guests on the latest episode, which discussed the common issues faced by disabled people while using public transport. When Anne broke her back in an accident at age 21, feelings of depression hit when “the reality of life in a wheelchair came home to me”, but she soon accepted her new way of life and vowed not to let her disability stifle her adventurous nature. Anne soon took to travelling the world, but just as quickly learned of challenges posed by flying and other modes of public transport. She explained that wheelchairs can’t be stored in the cabin on commercial flights most of the time, and that they are often broken while loading or unpacking, or even just during a flight. She explained: “I suffer such anxiety when I’m parted from my wheelchair, because my wheelchair is my legs. My wheelchair is my freedom. I love my wheelchair. I don’t look on it negatively. I look on it incredibly positively.” Chris, an aviation accessibility campaigner, says he has also suffered similar issues and outlined his work to create a flight experience that is more wheelchair-friendly. He explained that how the experience of travelling with his own children, who also have physical disabilities, illustrated the weight of the issue. He said: “They are aware how bad their industry is, and how far behind they are put against trains, buses and taxis. But it seems like they don’t know how to do it. “I’ve set up a group of people, a mini-consortium of six of us, who have skills and experience in aviation, wheelchair use, and in other areas. “We will establish the solution, not only to make those wheelchairs that go in the hold more secure, but also to get the ‘holy grail’, which is the wheelchair inside the cabin of an aircraft. The likes of my son and daughter would really benefit from that.” Anne explained that she has raised issues with transport providers on numerous occasions, but while she has received no shortage of gifts, including hampers and vouchers, as compensation following poor experiences, there has been no real change. She said: “I don’t want gifts. I want to be able to access these things in the same way as anyone else. I just want to get on and lead my life.” Chris and Anne had similar tales to share from their experiences of travelling by train, particularly in the UK, where disabled passengers are often faced with obstacles and problems complicating an otherwise simple task. Both referenced the inconvenient process behind ramp assistance, which has to be booked with train stations 24 hours in advance, which they believe highlights the impracticality of our train systems – especially when staff forget or aren’t made aware of the arrangements. On her own experiences, Anne reflected: “It rather puts me off train travel, because I just like to be able to do things spontaneously, but you’re supposed to book assistance 24 hours in advance. “You have to tell them what train you’re going to be on. Well, it’s fair enough to say what train I’m coming up to London on – but how long am I going to be in London, what time train am I going to get home and how long is it going to take me to get across London to the station?” Chris added: “I remember coming into London with my daughter once and experiencing exactly the same thing. ”On one occasion, we were waiting for somebody to bring the ramp up to the train and we just waited and waited but I could see the ramp, so I went to get it. “I think they’re locked up now, but they weren’t then, so I grabbed it. I thought ‘I can do this, it’s just put it into holes on the train and down we come’, but I was spotted by one of the station staff who came up and said: ‘you can’t do that. You’re not trained.’ “I bit my lip. I really bit my lip. This guy had no idea.” Due partly to her difficulties with public transport, Anne remains heavily dependent on her car, which she describes as a “huge lifeline” for travelling, while recognising government Mobility Scheme assistance that provides access to affordable adapted cars for drivers with a disability. Anne explains: “I have a car and I like driving. And so, I tend to go everywhere I go by car. And I used to live in London, so I’m not frightened about driving around London. There are ways that they try and make it easy for people to get cars and drive themselves around. And when you have that freedom it’s amazing. My car is a huge lifeline for me.” Neil Whiteley, a specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “It’s fascinating to hear first-hand accounts of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities while travelling and concerning to learn of the many obstacles people face on a daily basis. “It’s clear that, as a nation, we’re not doing enough to ensure public transport, from rail and bus right through to air travel, is accessible to everyone. Even simple changes, such as train ramps which don’t require staff to assemble, or cabin space for wheelchairs on flights, could
First complete paraplegic to tackle Land’s End to John O’Groats
Paraplegic Peter Smorthit, 28, will take on the 970-mile challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) in March raising funds for assistance dog charity Dog A.I.D. This is the first time a complete paraplegic has attempted the route, most specifically in an everyday wheelchair rather than a race chair. Peter, from Hoxton in London, is a T10 complete paraplegic after the scaffolding he was working on at a building site collapsed when he was aged just 19. He spent the next 7 months in hospital and was told he would never walk again. He’s also battled sepsis and since had 2 full on strokes. Rather than let this define him, he has fought back and participated in over 150 half and full marathons, regularly plays wheelchair basketball and tennis – both challenging himself and raising vital funds for charity. Peter has been actively raising funds for Dog A.I.D., a national charity who help people with disabilities to train their own pet dog to become a life-saving Assistance Dog. He completed the LEJOG in 2007, when he was able bodied age 16, in 12 days and has now undertaken to complete it again as a paraplegic in his day chair in just 15-18 days, making him the first paraplegic man to achieve this goal. He will be aiming to cover 50-60 miles per day which will mean 10-12 hours of pushing his chair, with only limited stops. Peter comments, “I am always pushing the barriers and truly believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I have met a number of Dog A.I.D. clients and can see how life changing these dogs are, especially as they enable independence for disabled people which certainly strikes a chord with me. LEJOG will be a great achievement if I can pull it off and is one of a number of events I intend to take part in this year, including London to Paris on my handcycle and RideLondon 100.” “I am continually inspired by Peter and his positive attitude,” comments Dog A.I.D. Chair Sandra Fraser. “This is a serious undertaking, we wish Peter all the best and will be following his progress with interest. As a charity that relies heavily on fundraising and donations, it is people like Peter who help us to continue to work with disabled people to facilitate their dog becoming a fully accredited Assistance Dog.” Peter is planning to start his challenge on 10th March 2020, if you would like to donate to Peter’s efforts, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-smorthit-lejogwheelchairpushfordogaid The support of the general public is vital for Dog A.I.D. to be able to continue offering help and support to people with disabilities; if you are able to contribute please call 01743 588469 or email admin@dogaid.org.uk
Local mental health charity celebrates apprentice achievements
Recent statistics show that NHS mental health and learning disability nursing staff have decreased by over 6,000 in the last decade, a decline of more than 12% and 40% respectively.* The need for new staff entering the profession is critical, therefore as part of National Apprenticeship Week (3-9 February 2020), local mental health and learning disability charity, Blyth Star Enterprises, is celebrating vocational achievements obtained by their own apprentices working towards a career in social care. 19 year old Joe Liddell and 38 year old James Nixon were previously at a loss with their free time and career options having both left school with minimal qualifications. Morpeth-based Joe had started a manufacturing and engineering course at college but found it wasn’t the right fit. On leaving, he dedicated his time to volunteering at a local Oxfam shop. However with no guaranteed hours, he found himself once again looking for further work. Neil Hedley, manager at Blyth Star’s Woodfuel Centre, a kiln-dried wood factory providing service users who have varying, often complex needs with a supportive work environment, suggested Joe become an apprentice. Joe is now six months into a two-year apprenticeship scheme, working towards an NVQ Level 2 in social care. Joe said: “The apprenticeship scheme at The Woodfuel Centre has changed the way I look at working. Previously I struggled to get motivated, into a routine or enjoy work, but now I’m doing something that’s hands-on whilst learning how to support people with mental health and learning disabilities. “Everyone at The Woodfuel Centre works at their own pace and it’s important that I help people find activities that best suit their needs. I feel what I’m doing now has meaning and that I’m helping others as well as myself. “Before I worked here, I was applying for so many jobs. I wanted to work but kept being rejected. It was really tough and made me question if I’d ever get a job. But now as a full-time apprentice, I’m back on track and enjoying my role.” James Nixon left school with minimal qualifications and managed pubs until he suddenly found himself out of a job, filling in back-to-back job applications with no success. A careers advisor suggested that he volunteer at The Woodfuel Centre for a 26-week period whilst actively applying for jobs. James enjoyed it so much that he continued to volunteer after the 26-week stint. After five years, James is now a full-time employee and has achieved an NVQ Level 3 in social care whilst also passing his driving, forklift and minibus tests. James is qualified to safely handle machinery such as chainsaws, administer first aid and is the acting fire marshal. James said: “Working at The Woodfuel Centre and gaining qualifications has completely changed my life. This wasn’t a career path I thought I’d go down but I’m really glad I did. “I spend my days supporting people who, without Blyth Star Enterprises, would struggle to keep a job due to their complex needs and I know how it feels to be without a job. It’s really demotivating. “I hadn’t realised how many mental health conditions exist and how much they can impact people. I plan to gain further qualifications so that I can better work with the service users at Blyth Star Enterprises.” Neil Hedley, manager at The Woodfuel Centre, added “I’m incredibly proud of both Joe and James. They’ve shown such enthusiasm and dedication to learning and assisting others. “Apprenticeships and vocational studies are an excellent way for people to expand their knowledge and get hands-on working experience. We’re pleased we can offer this opportunity within Blyth Star Enterprises.” Blyth Star Enterprises is a not-for-profit charity providing living support services, training and sheltered employment opportunities. The organisation is based upon three fundamental values: somewhere to live, somewhere to work and someone to care. Blyth Star currently offer innovative services to over 350 people living with learning disabilities and/or lifelong mental health issues across Northumberland and the North East. To learn more about Blyth Star Enterprises and The Woodfuel Centre visit: www.blythstar.org.uk.
Mo O’Brien becomes the first deaf person to row across the Atlantic Ocean
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is an incredibly tough undertaking for anyone, let alone a person with a profound hearing loss such as Mo O’Brien. More people have climbed Mount Everest than rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, having the right kit and hearing tech was essential to create the best possible environment for Mo. During the race, Mo relied on the newest ReSound high-performance hearing aids. “I’m so immensely proud that I’ve achieved this extremely hard challenge, and to experience this with my daughter and my teammates is the icing on the cake,” said Mo. “Out on the ocean, it was incredibly helpful that my hearing aids enabled me to focus on rowing and communicating, day and night, and I could relax with music, without feeling limited by my hearing loss.” “We’re happy and amazed with the new historic milestone, which Mo and her team have achieved,” said Christina Molt-Wengel, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, GN Hearing. “Despite her profound hearing loss, Mo has not only set a world record, she has also inspired us with her courage and determination. Mo perfectly encapsulates our ‘hear more, do more, be more’ spirit and the idea of healthy hearing.” Mo’s spectacular achievement shows that hearing loss and wearing hearing aids need to be reframed as common, rather than a daunting limitation stopping people doing what they want. By wearing hearing aids such as ReSound’s high-performance hearing aids, Mo successfully navigated the typical hearing loss disadvantages at sea. With her hearing solution, she was able to pay attention to important factors: she could hear sounds clearly in every direction, get a true sense of space, filter out background noise in all weathers, and better communicate with her teammates. In addition to the fantastic achievement of completing the race, the team have raised an incredible £50,000 for three UK charities: Cornwall Blood Bikes, Carefree, and Exmouth & Lympstone Hospiscare. Their fundraising page is still opened for donations. Alongside ReSound, Coldplay, MUTU System, and Crown Records Management are also Oarsome Foursome sponsors. There are currently 466 million people with disabling hearing loss worldwide, predicted to reach over 900 million by 2050. Helping people who are hard of hearing overcome every type of hearing loss and celebrating their unique stories is the driving force at the heart of ReSound.