Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 12:40 pm
A new Southsea Tinnitus Support Group is set to launch on Tuesday 27 June at Havelock Community Centre, Southsea. The group aims to provide support for those living with tinnitus and sound sensitivity in the local area.
Facilitated by volunteer Mona Southorn, who is a Tinnitus UK befriender, the group will meet on the last Tuesday of the month going forward, and is supported by Tinnitus UK.
“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”, said Mona.
Emily Ducker, Tinnitus UK Volunteer and Support Group Officer, 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, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music. Around one in seven adults experience persistent tinnitus in the UK, with an estimated 24,000 people experiencing it in Portsmouth and Southsea alone.
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.”
Those interested in attending the Southsea Tinnitus Support Group can contact Mona Southorn on mona.southorn@gmail.com or contact the Tinnitus UK helpline on 0800 018 0527 for more information.
Tinnitus UK is a registered charity striving for a world where no one suffers with tinnitus. They provide free support to anyone with tinnitus or caring for someone with tinnitus, and are leading the charge for more investment in tinnitus research. For more information, visit tinnitus.org.uk.
