Improving access to hearing care for vulnerable Australians
27 November 2024
Over the past 12 months, Hearing Australia has been proud to work closely with the Salvation Army to provide regular hearing services at the Magpie Nest Café in Melbourne.
The Salvation Army Magpie Nest Café supports some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It provides free meals, crisis intervention and support, general and ongoing support to people in need, including people who may be homeless, or have drug and alcohol addiction, or mental health and general health issues.
Our partnership with the Salvation Army, launched in October 2023 by the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, has been vital in improving access to hearing care for Australians who are doing it tough.
Major Brendan Nottle, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, says the partnership is helping to provide the support people need to become reconnected with the community once again.
Take a moment to hear from Brendan in this short video: Message from Major Brendan Nottle
Hearing Australia Richmond Centre Manager, Tarnia says, “Through our fortnightly visits to the café, we’ve been able to slowly build trust with the Magpie Nest community and connect with people who don’t commonly interact with mainstream services and who have been living with hearing loss. Providing them with services to improve their daily communication has been incredibly rewarding for our team.”
Our Audiologist, Jess, agrees that being able to help the Magpie Nest community has provided some truly unforgettable moments.
“I saw a client who lives in social housing with her daughter, and she was struggling to hear her,” Jess recalls. “Her hearing loss also affected her anxiety and self-confidence. She was overwhelmed with gratitude when we helped her with hearing aids and became very emotional when they were fitted.”
Kim Terrell, Managing Director of Hearing Australia, adds, “Just like the Salvation Army, Hearing Australia is committed to improving the lives of others, regardless of their age, location or background. By working together, we’re bringing hearing services directly to those in our community who really need our help.
“We’re continuing to work with many partners to improve the hearing health of the nation. Thank you to all those who work alongside us to transform the lives of people with hearing loss.”
