Tinnitus support group from Greenwich hits the Gold Standard

Tinnitus support group from Greenwich hits the Gold Standard

(Interview and photo opportunities are available)

23 September 2019 A tinnitus support group which meets in Greenwich 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).

The group, led by volunteer Louise Hatch and audiologist Adam Chell, 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 volunteer Louise Hatch said: “We applied for the BTA Gold Standard as we wanted group attendees to feel that we offer a professional approach alongside our friendly and welcoming atmosphere here at the Tinnitus Rooms, Greenwich. We also wanted people that may not have come to a group session before to see that we have reached certain criteria, set by the BTA, so that they can be assured of a positive, 'first time', group experience.”

Colette commented: “We know that support groups can really help a person lead the best life they can, and Adam and Louise and the volunteers at Greenwich are dedicated to helping people overcome the distress tinnitus can cause, and we are delighted to be able to recognise their hard work.”

Louise added: “Both Adam and I are delighted to receive the BTA Gold Standard for tinnitus support groups for our group in Greenwich. We are looking forward to many more years of working in conjunction with the BTA to support local people with tinnitus.”

If you would like to find out more about the group, please contact Adam Chell at info@tinnitusrooms.com or Colette Bunker at the BTA on colette@tinnitus.org.uk or 0114 250 9933.

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Editors Notes

• The BTA is an independent charity which supports over 1 million people per year who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world. It is the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK. 
• The BTA needs to raise £975,000 each year to continue their UK wide support. Donations can be made via 
• Tinnitus">www.tinnitus.org.uk/donate
• 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 eight adults experience tinnitus. Many people aren’t troubled by sounds they hear, but for around 10%, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or sometimes depression.

For more information

Nic Wray, Communications Manager

nic@tinnitus.org.uk

0114 250 9933

British Tinnitus Association
Ground Floor Unit 5 Acorn Business Park
Woodseats Close
Sheffield, S8 0TB