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25 September 2019 A tinnitus support group which serves sufferers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire has become one of the first groups in the country to be awarded the Gold Standard for tinnitus support groups by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA). Volunteer Audrey Carlin, who has run the group for 33 years has also become a BTA Vice President in recognition of her work with the tinnitus community.
Said Audrey of her new role: “I am honoured and privileged to be asked to become the BTA’s next Vice President, a role which I will fulfil to the best of my ability. Having experienced tinnitus and successfully managed it for the past 35 years and having run a support group for 33 years, I embrace the BTA’s positive approach towards ‘a world where no one suffers with tinnitus’ and I will continue to support and encourage people towards this aim.”
David Stockdale, BTA Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have someone like Audrey as Vice President, as she has so much experience of tinnitus and tinnitus support. Audrey’s insight and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop and expand our services to the tinnitus community.”
The tinnitus support group, led by Audrey, her daughter Joanne Gordon and a team of volunteers, enables people with tinnitus to meet others with the condition, share useful tips on coping methods and find out what help is available.
Colette Bunker, BTA Volunteer and Support Group Manager said: “A group has to meet a number of criteria to be considered a BTA Gold Standard group. These criteria are designed to ensure groups are working hard to be inclusive, encouraging peer-to-peer interaction and are providing people with accurate and up-to-date information in a safe and friendly environment.”
Group leader Joanne Gordon said: “We applied for the Gold Standard as it is a great way to show new members we are recognised by the BTA for offering a quality service and support to them. We think it is a really good idea that the BTA has introduced the Gold Standard, as it is important that groups adhere to the BTA’s ethics and ensure that whilst organisers respect opinions from members that the group is positive and welcoming.”
Colette commented: “We know that support groups can really help a person lead the best life they can, and Audrey, Joanne and the team in Chesterfield are dedicated to helping people overcome the distress tinnitus can cause, and we are delighted to be able to recognise their hard work.”
If you would like to find out more about the group, please contact the group on 01246 380415 or email mail@tinnitussupport.org.uk. Alternately, contact Colette Bunker at the BTA on colette@tinnitus.org.uk or 0114 250 9933.
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Editors Notes
For more information
Nic Wray, Communications Manager
0114 250 9933
British Tinnitus Association
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