Hearing Dogs Attend Thorner Over 60’s Weekly Coffee Morning

Local volunteers train hearing dogs at community events

Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) has shared an update from the Leeds Welcome Spaces Scheme highlighting activities at the Thorner Over 60’s Association. This community group, part of a network offering warm and welcoming spaces across Leeds, hosts a weekly coffee morning that has become a regular meeting point for local residents and volunteers involved with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Volunteers and dogs in training

Sue and Margaret, both volunteers for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, attend the Thorner Over 60’s coffee morning accompanied by dogs currently in training. Margaret has been training hearing dogs for eight years, while Sue has nine years’ experience. The dogs stay with them for between six and eighteen months during the final stages of their training before being matched with individuals who have hearing loss.

The coffee morning is timed to coincide with the visit of the mobile Post Office, a vital service since the closure of the village’s permanent Post Office some years ago. This event brings together a diverse group of people, providing the dogs with valuable experience in a busy environment and raising awareness of the charity’s work.

Community engagement and activities

• The dogs accompany Sue and Margaret to various local venues such as cafes, pubs and restaurants to practice social skills including calmly greeting people and other dogs.
• Members of the Over 60’s Association have enjoyed talks about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which have also served as fundraisers.
• The Bungalow, home to the Over 60’s Association, offers a range of activities including discussion groups, lunches, exercise classes, talks, outings, a book exchange, and training sessions such as first aid.
• Additional events include sign language talks, tea and scones gatherings, chair yoga, Spanish classes, and themed tasting sessions.

Both volunteers appreciate the social opportunities the group provides. Margaret commented on the chance to meet people and discuss their work with the dogs, while Sue highlighted the friendliness of the community and encouraged more people to attend the coffee mornings.

Support and membership

The Thorner Over 60’s Association has around 80 members and 30 volunteers. The weekly Post Office service attracts people of all ages to the premises, and the coffee mornings are open to everyone. The group has also benefited from free online training sessions offered through the Welcome Spaces scheme and support towards rising energy costs.

This initiative forms part of a wider effort by over 200 third and faith sector organisations across Leeds to provide safe, warm, and welcoming spaces during the winter months.

Source: Doing Good Leeds