A new support group is being formed in Southsea to assist local people with tinnitus. The Southsea Tinnitus Support Group’s first meeting will take place on Tuesday 27 June at 3:30pm at Havelock Community Centre, 324 Fawcett Road, Southsea, PO4 0LQ. The group plans to meet on the last Tuesday of the month going forward.
It is estimated that 24,000 people in Portsmouth and Southsea and 7.6 million people across the UK suffer from tinnitus, with approximately 1 in 7 adults affected by the condition. The support group will be facilitated by volunteer Mona Southorn, who is a Tinnitus UK befriender, with the aim of providing an environment of understanding and support for those with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis (sound sensitivity).
Mona said: “My aim in starting a local support group is to create a space where no one feels that they should suffer alone, and where the shared experience allows for a greater understanding”. The group is supported by Tinnitus UK, whose Volunteer and Support Group Officer, Emily Ducker, commented: “Being with other people who have tinnitus, listening to their experiences and how they manage it, can be a huge help to people who are struggling with their tinnitus. It is amazing seeing the difference it can make, especially those who have recently been diagnosed.”
Tinnitus is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, and is often experienced as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, clicking or even music. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or depression. Emily added: “Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, with friends and family struggling to understand how it feels to adapt to the presence of loud or persistent noises. Some people choose to bring a partner or family member to the meetings, which can often help everyone understand more about the condition and its effect.”
The Southsea Tinnitus Support Group is being established to offer a vital source of support to those affected by tinnitus. For more information, contact Mona Southorn on mona.southorn@gmail.com or Tinnitus UK on 0800 018 0527.
Tinnitus UK is striving to create a world where no one has to suffer with tinnitus. The charity provides free support to anyone with tinnitus or caring for someone with tinnitus, as well as leading the charge for more investment in tinnitus research and connecting the research community to those living with tinnitus.
Tinnitus UK’s message is clear: “Your struggle is our cause”.
A new support group is being established in Southsea to provide vital assistance to those affected by tinnitus. The Southsea Tinnitus Support Group, facilitated by volunteer Mona Southorn, will hold its first meeting on Tuesday 27 June at 3:30pm at Havelock Community Centre, 324 Fawcett Road, Southsea, PO4 0LQ.
It is estimated that over 24,000 people in Portsmouth and Southsea and 7.6 million people across the UK suffer from tinnitus, with around 1 in 7 adults affected by the condition. The aim of the group is to create a space where those with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) can come together and share their experiences in a calm and caring environment.
Tinnitus UK, the charity supporting the group, have commented on the importance of such support. Emily Ducker, Tinnitus UK Volunteer and Support Group Officer, said: “Being with other people who have tinnitus, listening to their experiences and how they manage it, can be a huge help to people who are struggling with their tinnitus. It is amazing seeing the difference it can make, especially those who have recently been diagnosed.”
Tinnitus is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music. For some people, the condition can have a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or depression. Emily adds: “Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, with friends and family struggling to understand how it feels to adapt to the presence of loud or persistent noises. Some people choose to bring a partner or family member to the meetings, which can often help everyone understand more about the condition and its effect.”
The Southsea Tinnitus Support Group will meet on the last Tuesday of the month going forward. For more information, contact Mona Southorn on mona.southorn@gmail.com or Tinnitus
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.