to we ent; ve orts out Sally s story Hi, please introduce yourself I am Sally Gillespie. I am mum to Callum who is 3 and a half. Callum was born hearing but at nine months developed bacterial menigitis. Thankfully he survived but he was left with hearing loss in both ears and as a result he now wears hearing aids. How has GDA helped you and your family? We've been attending Cirencester Deaf Children's Club (CDCC) for two years and we go every month. It’s been fantastic for me to speak to other parents and for Callum to engage with other children. The realisation that deaf children can do most things other children can do - such as go to the pantomime and enjoy music - has been very comforting. We didn’t know anything about deafness so it's been a massive learning cur and CDCC has been a fantastic support mechanism. What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in Callum as a result of the support you’ve had? His confidence has grown tremendously, and you can see him learn how to focus better and join in. I'd recommend CDCC and GDA to anyone with a deaf child. It is scary; I remember being petrified – I'd never been around deaf children before, but I've learnt no to be scared. Talking to other parents has been hugely valuable. And finally, tell us a little more about you – what’s your ideal day out in Gloucestershire? We love going to Pitville Park in Cheltenham and getting ice-cream and hot chocolates with marshmallows. We'd probably finish with a roast dinner and a trip to the pool swimming - a perfect weekend treat. New hearing-aid clinics announced GDA has launched a number of new free hearing-aid clinics across Gloucestershire. New clinics are now also taking place in Coleford, Stroud and Cam. The clinics are an opportunity for NHS hearing-aid wearers to get hearing-aids retubed, cleaned and get new batteries. Our technicians are also available to offer impartial advise on specialist listening aid equipment that can help you hear at home. Find a clinic near you at www.gda.org.uk or call 01452 372999. Booking is essential for most clinics.
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