HAMPSHIRE could be the potential beneficiary of significant new financial investment, according to the Chief Executive of Portsmouth based community development finance institution Parity Trust, Simon Frost.

Big Society Capital was launched by Prime Minister David Cameron last week, and is a ground breaking £600 million financial institution with a mission to grow a new “social investment market” – that is, a market in which charities, social enterprises and community groups can provide services for the public good and not for profit, and access affordable finance.

“In Portsmouth, Southampton and our neighbouring communities, social investment is needed that will help charities and not for profit companies like us grow and increase the number of services, therefore generating new jobs, improving the environment and generally helping the local community, ” says Simon Frost. “And if we can ultimately secure some of this new finance, we can develop and also provide new services very quickly: for example, cash to improve and refurbish local community facilities, provide more affordable housing for rent and purchase, and help people maintain their homes.”

One of the key aims of Big Society Capital is help social enterprises innovate, expand their services and develop better solutions to social problems. The funds, an estimated £400 million from unclaimed cash left dormant in bank accounts for over 15 years and another £200 million will come from the UKs four largest high street banks Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and RBS.

National charity Deafness Research UK will be attending the Health and Safety Exhibition (South) 2012 at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, on 28 and 29 February (9.30am -3.15pm both days), where the charity will be conducting free hearing screening for visitors and offering advice for those with concerns about their hearing.

Deafness Research UK is determined to help as many people as possible protect their hearing, and with this in mind, screenings will be available throughout the exhibition, when Deafness Research UK’s team of experts will be on hand to offer advice on hearing loss and a free hearing screening for those who would like it.

Alongside the award-winning Bionic Ear Show (sponsored by BUPA and supported by the BIG Lottery Fund), dedicated hearing screenings such as the ones being undertaken at Sandown Park are just one more initiative Deafness Research UK undertakes providing support and advice on hearing loss. The charity’s hearing screeners and Bionic Ear Show are available to visit various organisations, businesses, social groups, schools and colleges throughout the country.

Increasing numbers of us are causing damage to our hearing with loud sounds, and while many are initially unwilling to come forward at the first sign of symptoms, early treatment remains the best defence against hearing loss, while there is still time to halt the decline. At present there is currently no cure for permanent hearing damage, so it is extremely important to seek treatment at the first sign of trouble.

“Our free hearing screening service is a great way to check if your hearing is as it should be,” said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK. “So whether you have experienced exposure to loud sounds at work or play, we hope a free opportunity to get a hearing health check-up will encourage anyone concerned to come forward”.

The ears and hearing system are often taken for granted but are one of the most important parts of the human body. Hearing screening is quick, painless and reinforces the importance of looking after your hearing. Deafness Research UK encourages hearing checks to be undertaken regularly for the same reason people have eye tests; to spot any problems while still easy to deal with them.

Hearing loss is on the rise. The loud noises and buzzing from heavy machinery can mean workers are at risk of developing tinnitus (noises in the ears and head) and or premature hearing loss. Deafness Research UK is committed to delivering the serious facts about hearing loss far and wide, as in many cases the charity can help. The hearing screenings are taking place at Stand 24 of the Health and Safety Exhibition throughout both days of the event. First launched in 2007, the Western Business Exhibition’s regional Health and Safety events are an event series available at five venues throughout the country, providing straightforward and reliable advice on a variety of health and safety concerns. All exhibitions are free to attend, and invaluable information can be gained from nationwide organisations, including Deafness Research UK. Anyone who would like hearing screenings or the Bionic Ear Show to visit their organisation, school, community group or event free of charge should contact Laura Turner at Deafness Research UK on 020 7164 2294 or email Laura at Laura.turner@deafnessresearch.org.uk . The schedule is subject to change, but an up to date version and further information can be found on the website at: www.bionicearshow.org
ENDS

Media contact
Jon Gardner, Beyond PR
Tel: 0114 275 6996
Mob: 07930 697773
Email: jon.gardner@beyondpr.co.uk
www.BeyondPR.co.uk

Sandwell Council is celebrating the success of its pioneering ‘Snow Champions’ scheme where residents have signed up to clear neighbours’ pathways and drives to make them safer during the icy winter periods.

The scheme was the idea of Council Leader Darren Cooper and around 2,500 residents agreed to take on the role. They were given a snow shovel, a bag of salt and  a high visible jacket to wear for safety.

This weekend, when the borough was covered in a blanket of snow around four inches deep,  they were out keeping the borough’s pathways  safe and passable.

Councillor Cooper, who is a Snow Champion himself, said: “The scheme has worked really well and the idea is to support the excellent work that the council’s gritting teams do.

“Judging by the number of photos and comments that were posted on our facebook page and twitter feed, they were out in force and did a really good job. This is community spirit at its highest level.

“The bad weather also really shows the benefit of councils having a strong social media presence – not only for us to update residents but for local people to share information, have their say and build a great community feeling.

“In my case,  I was out clearing the paths and drives by where I live, including an elderly persons’ home around the corner.”

You can view Sandwell Snow Champion photos and comments from members of the public at www.facebook.com/sandwellcouncil and www.twitter.com/sandwellcouncil

London UK -1Love.org, the global movement with a simple mission — do good in honour of Bob Marley’s vision of hope and unity — has announced its first UK charity projects that will support Urban Development and Wings South West. 1Love.org, a not-for-profit organisation created with the Marley family, is dedicated to raising awareness and a sustainable flow of contributions to benefit charitable initiatives that empower youth, protect the planet and encourage peace.

Supporting grassroots projects, the 1Love.org donations to the UK projects will be made possible by contributions from product sales of two Marley Family ventures:

Marley audio products from The House of Marley and Marley Beverages. “My father believed in a better world – and his values still ring true for today. 1Love.org represents my father’s vision, as we look to bring it to a new generation,” said Rohan Marley, Bob Marley’s son, on behalf of the family. “Whilst individual projects may appear modest, together they add up to a bigger global programme to bring about lasting change in peoples’ lives. Working with projects in the UK and across the world, we aspire to create a more peaceful and hopeful future.”

Urban Development is a not-for-profit music development organisation based in Stratford, East London. It reaches out to young people in the most challenging socio-economic circumstances using music as a tool of engagement, particularly to improve access in areas of deprivation and low participation. 1Love.org funding will directly support its projects committed to providing mentoring and skills development for the next generation of young urban vocal talent in the UK. “Our project is about developing new musical and social skills, raising aspiration and helping young people access the highly competitive music industry, said Pamela McCormick, Director of Urban Development. “We’re very grateful to the Marley family for sharing their success with the new generation.”

Wings South West supports young people in Bideford and the surrounding area of Northern Devon – one of the most deprived rural regions in the UK, with double the national average of youth unemployment. The Wings projects aims to engage with those not in employment, education or training and work with them for a brighter future. Turning to urban music as a great way to connect with young people not engaged with society, the 1Love.org funding will look to create a professionally run new digital music and media course. New musical equipment will also be secured as part of the project, to equip participants with new skills and inspire them to a more positive future.

“Our new digital music project, using funding from 1Love.org, will give underprivileged young people in the Bideford area a unique opportunity to be part of something truly creative,” said James Lewis, Programme Manager of Wings South West. “Helping attract those who are usually very hard to reach, the project aims to empower participants, giving them something to engage with, feel passionate about and help them make change in their lives.”

The support of local UK initiatives furthers the work done globally by 1Love.org. 1Love.org recently presented charity:water with a donation of $100,000. charity:water is a non-profit organisation bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Across the globe, 1Love.org supports charities including Invisible Children, The United Nations Environment Programme, Playing for Change Foundation, Save The Children and Little Kids Rock. “As the Marley family launches its newest ventures in the UK, we’re eager to introduce people to the 1Love.org movement as a platform to spread positive, global change,” said Donna Mastropasqua, executive director, 1Love.org. “We believe 1Love.org can become one of the largest global communities for unity and peace, supporting hundreds of charities and amplifying an individual’s power to give of their time, talent, money, kindness and love.”

About 1Love.org:
The epicenter of a global movement, www.1Love.org is dedicated to spreading Bob Marley’s message of unity and peace by lifting up a new generation of “young gongs” to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that can change the world. 1Love.org is a not-for-profit organisation created with the Marley family to create awareness and a sustainable flow of contributions to benefit 1Love.org-supported charities that empower youth, protect our planet and encourage global peace. A portion of the proceeds from product sales of three Marley Family ventures, Marley audio products from The House of Marley, Marley Beverages and Marley Coffee, support 1Love.org.

About The House of Marley:
Working together for a better world, The House of Marley was created from the belief in Bob Marley’s vision of “One Love,” offering a range of eco-conscious, innovative audio electronics products that adhere to the Marley family core values: equality, unity, authenticity, sustainability and charity. The House of Marley donates five percent (5%) of its annual profits to 1Love.org. Learn more at www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk, join us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheHouseofMarleyUK, and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/houseofmarleyuk.

Visit the Marley Family’s primary website at www.BobMarley.com and join the Official Bob Marley Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BobMarley. Learn more about other Marley Family ventures by visiting Marley Beverage Company at www.MarleyBeverages.com, Marley Coffee at www.MarleyCoffee.com, and 1Love.org at www.1love.org.

A major event to realise the opportunities available to social enterprises from Big Society Capital was staged in Liverpool on Tuesday 6 December and hosted by Social Enterprise North West.

The occasion also gave the Government’s Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd MP, the chance to hear about the state of the social investment market in the region, including some of the obstacles which the social sector in the region has come up against in accessing appropriate finance, and potential solutions.

Big Society Capital, which is run independently from government, will play a critical role in speeding up the growth of social investment by utilising an estimated £400million in unclaimed assets that have been left dormant in bank accounts for over 15 years, and £200million from the UK’s largest high street banks.

Around 60 guests met at The Women’s International Centre for Economic Development (WICED) in St James Street, Liverpool, with Big Society Capital’s chief executive, Nick O’Donohue and discussed wider issues around social investment with Nick Hurd MP. Val Jones, chief executive at Social Enterprise North West, who chaired the seminar, said: “This region has a vibrant and diverse social enterprise sector and the role of SENW is to encourage growth and help shape future government policy so I am delighted that the minister and Big Society Capital were able to come to Liverpool to share their vision.

“With less public money around, loan funding is an attractive option for many social enterprises to help finance their growth. Funders were able to hear first-hand how they can best meet the needs of the social enterprise sector.”

“The social enterprise sector in the North West generates about £3 billion annually, employs more than 50,000 people and harnesses the capacity of 30,000 volunteers.”

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the only charity solely dedicated to supporting those with tinnitus, is counting down to Tinnitus Awareness Week which will take place next year from Monday 6th until Sunday 12th February 2012. The 2012 campaign will aim to encourage better tinnitus awareness among primary care practitioners and GPs, as well as among the general public. Tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound and it is experienced by approximately 10% of the population in the UK. The BTA will be striving to ensure that primary care practitioners are able to gain an improved understanding about tinnitus and of the services available in secondary care. As part of Tinnitus Awareness Week the charity has produced ‘Top Ten Tinnitus Tips for GPs’, which is available to download from www.tinnitus.org.uk/TAW2012. Members of the public are being encouraged to use and share this with their local GPs to encourage improved awareness and understanding of tinnitus. A recent study into the practice of care for tinnitus among General Practitioners in England identified that many GPs have an unmet need for specific GP training on tinnitus management. The BTA believes this situation is leading to inconsistent and inadequate advice being given to tinnitus patients throughout the country, and is resulting in widespread dissatisfaction and unnecessary distress among many of the 10% of the population who experience tinnitus. David Stockdale, CEO of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “Thousands of tinnitus patients are being short-changed by their GPs. They are being either completely dismissed, told to ‘learn to live with’ the condition and are being given inaccurate information, or are not being referred to tinnitus clinics for specialist care. Tinnitus is poorly-understood among many primary care practitioners, and we aim to readdress this problem during our Tinnitus Awareness Week campaign so that more tinnitus patients are given accurate advice and are referred to authoritative information widely available via the BTA, the NHS and other sources.”

The charity is also working closely with tinnitus and ENT experts, and is encouraging representatives from Audiology Departments to host meetings/seminars for GPs which would then allow audiology professionals to inform GPs about the services available at their hospital. They are also being encouraged to attend GPs meetings to promote their hospital’s tinnitus service. While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, those who experience it can be assisted by the BTA in the form of free support and advice. The BTA helps thousands of people each year via its freephone helpline (0800 018 0527), and through the provision of information which includes updates on the latest clinical research into the causes and treatment of tinnitus and behavioural techniques which can help to alleviate the condition.

Ends

Editors Notes The BTA is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world.

The British Tinnitus Association strives to be the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme.

The experienced team at the BTA understands the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of those who experience tinnitus and those who live with them, so seeks to provides the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge – via a confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice. Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BritishTinnitus

Study details – Suliman K. El-Shunnar MRCS, Derek J. Hoare PhD, Sandra Smith BSc, Phillip E. Gander PhD, Sujin Kang MA, Kathryn Fackrell and Deborah A. Hall PhD), ‘Primary care for tinnitus: practice and opinion among GPs in England’ Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, May 2011

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the only UK charity dedicated to supporting those who experience tinnitus, successfully hosted a free one-day event for all UK based tinnitus support groups on Saturday (15 October 2011) at the Deaf Cultural Centre in Birmingham. The inaugural information day aimed to inform and inspire people who either attend or run existing tinnitus support groups. The day also aimed to encourage others to form a group if one currently does not exist in their area. It was supported by the Big Lottery Fund and was attended by more than 40 people who travelled from as far afield as Northern Ireland, including group members, sensory support workers and audiologists.

The BTA’s work with support groups is part of its ‘Talking Tinnitus’ campaign which aims to encourage people to talk about their tinnitus experience and to seek help from others who are also affected, for mutual benefit. Many find that attending a tinnitus group can be an invaluable source of help and support. They can often be a lifeline to some, especially when members of their family or friends are unable to relate to their experience of tinnitus. The event included three workshops. Tony Kay, who runs Aintree Tinntius Support Group and is an audiologist at Aintree University Hospital, discussed how to start a group; effective advertising and how to recruit new members. David Stockdale, BTA CEO, informed the attendees how to involve local medical professionals and source group speakers. Members of the Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group also spoke about Governance and how to implement an effective committee. Other speakers included Helen Goldsby-West, a fundraiser for the BTA; Zoe Hiljemark of Marketing Matters, the BTA’s integrated marketing agency; Chris Fry, a solicitor at Unity Law; Don Ferran, a consultant Otolaryngologist and John Phillips a consultant ENT surgeon. Issues covered included fundraising within a group, maximising local PR opportunities, plus legal and medical issues.

The event also included one-to-one sessions, networking games and lunch was provided. David Stockdale, CEO of the BTA, said: “Feedback has been really positive. We have given delegates relevant information and tips on how to boost membership and how to maximise the potential of the groups, and we hope that the event will lead to many more groups being opened throughout the country to help more people who experience tinnitus. We’d like to thank the Big Lottery Fund, as without them this day could not have taken place.”

Comments from delegates included: “A really good mix of people and all the speakers were approachable”, “An excellent first event, good speakers and good facilities”, and “A good effort, well worth repeating”. A full list of existing tinnitus support groups can be found at www.tinnitus.org.uk/directory. For more details about the BTA please visit www.tinnitus.org.uk or call 0114 250 9933. For information on the Big Lottery Fund please visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Ends

Editors Notes About the BTA
The BTA is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world. The British Tinnitus Association strives to be the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme.

The experienced team at the BTA understands the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of those who experience tinnitus and those who live with them, so seeks to provides the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge – via a confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice. Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BritishTinnitus

About Tinnitus
Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected individual, and issues may arise with sleep, concentration and mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes in people’s environment can address these issues, and improve quality of life.

For more information
Contact: Zoe Hiljemark, PR Account Director / Jenny Pearce, Senior PR Account Executive
E-mail: zoe@marketing-matters.co.uk / jenny@marketing-matters.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1202 777111 / +44 (0) 7770 924439
Address: Marketing Matters, Unit C, Acorn Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, UK, BH12 4NZ

The potential hazards associated with the use of fireworks are well documented and generally well recognised among the general public, yet the potential risk of hearing damage as a result of exposure to loud noise associated with fireworks has not received such prominent profile. The consequence of this, warns the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the only UK charity solely dedicated to supporting those who experience tinnitus, is that many are unaware that a single bang from a firework in close proximity can permanently damage hearing and lead to tinnitus. Prolonged exposure to noise at 85 decibels (db) is enough to risk irreversible hearing damage and some fireworks can be capable of producing loud noise in excess of 155db. The BTA advises that those likely to be exposed to loud noise caused by fireworks this Bonfire Night should ensure that their hearing is adequately protected to avoid the onset of tinnitus. The advice comes as part of the charity’s on-going efforts to raise awareness of tinnitus among the general public, and as part of its ‘Talking Tinnitus’ campaign which aims to get people talking about their tinnitus experiences and to seek help from others including the BTA and tinnitus support groups. The BTA – which is the primary source of information about tinnitus – aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme. Ten per cent of the UK population experience tinnitus at some point in their lives and there is currently no cure. David Stockdale, CEO of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “Safety when handling or watching fireworks is traditionally of main concern around this time of year, but the risk of potential damage to hearing goes largely unrecognised. Thanks to public information campaigns during recent years, the general public are better informed than ever before, yet there is still much that can be done to prevent many thousands of people getting tinnitus as a result of excessive noise exposure.”

The BTA recommends that hearing protection or ear plugs are used in order to prevent noise-related hearing damage. He continued: “Ear plugs help to cut out the harmful effects and discomfort of loud noise, and we would also recommend standing as far away as possible from the display, and keeping the length of time of noise exposure to a minimum.”

Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected individual, and issues may arise with sleep, concentration and mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes in people’s environment can address these issues, and improve quality of life. There is currently no cure for tinnitus. Ends

Editors Notes The BTA is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world.

The British Tinnitus Association strives to be the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme.

The experienced team at the BTA understands the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of those who experience tinnitus and those who live with them, so seeks to provides the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge – via a confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice. Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BritishTinnitus

For more information
Contact: Zoe Hiljemark, PR Account Director / Jenny Pearce, Senior PR Account Executive
E-mail: zoe@marketing-matters.co.uk / jenny@marketing-matters.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1202 777111 / +44 (0) 7770 924439
Address: Marketing Matters, Unit C, Acorn Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, UK, BH12 4NZ

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) has presented the prestigious industry award, the Marie & Jack Shapiro Prize, to Dr Lindsay St. Claire, Senior Lecturer at The Centre for Hearing and Balance Studies, University of Bristol, for her paper ‘Caffeine abstinence: An ineffective and potentially distressing tinnitus therapy’. The prize and £250 cash was awarded at the charity’s 18th annual Conference in Sheffield yesterday, which was attended by over 100 audiologists, hearing professionals and BTA members. The Marie & Jack Shapiro Prize is given each year at the BTA Conference to the piece of published research, by a UK based author, Most likely to result in improved treatment or public awareness of tinnitus,’ that was published in the last calendar year. The prize is named after the late Jack Shapiro, the founder of the British Tinnitus Association, and his wife Marie, who both played an important role in the establishment of the charity during the 1970s and in raising awareness of tinnitus. St. Claire’s paper was one of nine which was shortlisted for the prize, making 2011 a record year in terms of the number of papers shortlisted. The judging panel was formed of the BTA’s Professional Advisers’ Committee and its Council of Management. The St Claire paper identified that there is no evidence to suggest that abstinence from caffeine can alleviate tinnitus symptoms, and in fact the reverse may be true. The research highlighted the need for further evidence-based approaches and is likely to prompt a change in clinical practice which will affect the lives of thousands of tinnitus patients. The judges considered that it is an original and important addition to existing literature, which is well thought through and has convincing results, on a topic that has long been overlooked until now. David Stockdale, CEO of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “There were many interesting and highly commendable research papers in the running this year, and we are very grateful to all those who have undertaken research into tinnitus with the aim of developing existing knowledge and understanding about the causes of the condition.”

He continued: “The winning paper has informed clinical practice in terms of advice and counselling in tinnitus clinics nationally, and it is vital that such research into tinnitus continues so that one day a cure for tinnitus can be developed.” Prize winner Dr Lindsay St Claire a Chartered Health Psychologist with a background primarily in Social Psychology, said: “The team involved in the research is thrilled and extremely proud to have been recognised by the BTA. We want to champion evidence-based practices to help people with tinnitus and to challenge “therapies” and misleading advice which are not only useless, but also irksome and possibly distressing for tinnitus patients.”

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, which funded the winning research, said: “This is an excellent example of groundbreaking research supported by Deafness Research UK that is having a real impact on people’s lives and we are pleased to see Dr. St. Claire’s work recognised in this way. For many years there has been a commonly held belief that caffeine is a major aggravator of tinnitus symptoms – now this research provides some of the first evidence to challenge the theory that caffeine triggers or aggravates tinnitus.”

The BTA’s annual Conference is renowned for bringing together world-leading experts in the field of audiology. Presentations on the day included those from Dr Roland Schaette – who is currently undertaking clinical research into tinnitus at the UCL Ear Institute, London on behalf of the BTA – as well as: • Christine Tan – Patterns of hearing loss in people with and without tinnitus
• Derek Hoare – Harnessing sound to manage tinnitus: evidence, theories and translational research
• Adrian Davis – Sustaining a tinnitus service in the healthcare landscape
• Michelle Booth – Measuring the impact of a direct access tinnitus pathway
• Laurence McKenna and Jenna Love – Mindfulness and tinnitus (The Jack Shapiro Memorial Lecture)
• David Barrow – Tai Chi as rehabilitation in audiological services

Ends

Editors Notes The BTA is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world.

The British Tinnitus Association strives to be the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme.

Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected individual, and issues may arise with sleep, concentration and mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes in people’s environment can address these issues, and improve quality of life.

The experienced team at the BTA understands the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of those who experience tinnitus and those who live with them, so seeks to provides the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge – via a confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice. Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BritishTinnitus

For more information
Contact: Zoe Hiljemark, PR Account Director / Jenny Pearce, Senior PR Account Executive
E-mail: zoe@marketing-matters.co.uk / jenny@marketing-matters.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1202 777111 / +44 (0) 7770 924439
Address: Marketing Matters, Unit C, Acorn Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, UK, BH12 4NZ

With one year to go until the London Paralympics on 29 August, Diverse Abilities Plus, the Dorset charity that provides a range of support and education services for children and adults with disabilities across the county, is encouraging local people to get involved with the Gold Challenge – a national sporting Olympic inspired initiative – and undertake Paralympic sports while raising money for charity. The Gold Challenge is a unique opportunity for local people, of all ages and abilities, to experience and engage in up to 20 Paralympic (and 30 Olympic) sports which will feature as part of the 2012 Games. Entry can be as part of a team or as an individual, with the aim of taking part in five, ten, 20 or 30 sports before 31 December 2012. While undertaking these personal sporting challenges, participants can raise funds for Diverse Abilities Plus through sponsorship. As the only local Dorset-based independent charity taking part, it hopes to raise in excess of £100,000 with the help of the local community. Helen Alexander, the charity’s Fundraising Manager, and Reham Khan, the BBC South Today weather presenter and ambassador for Diverse Abilities Plus, took part in a fun game of wheelchair basketball recently, as part of the Gold Challenge. Other Paralympic sports that can be undertaken include archery, athletics, boccia, cycling (track and road), equestrian, football (5 and 7 a-side), goalball, judo, powerlifing, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, fencing, rugby and tennis. Mark Powell, CEO at Diverse Abilities Plus, said: “As a charity that supports children and adults with disabilities, we would like to encourage able-bodied individuals to try out Paralympic sports and raise money for the charity, have fun and try something new, plus be part of the excitement around the 2012 Olympics.”

Mark continued: “Diverse Abilities Plus has nearly 200 adult and family team spaces available. I urge willing participants to sign up and get started on their Gold Challenge, and to help spread the word about our involvement. The funds raised will help the charity’s on-going work providing a range of assistance, support and education services for young people and adults with Cerebral Palsy and associated disabilities.” For more information or to contact Diverse Abilities Plus please visit www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk or call 01202 718266. For more information about the Gold Challenge visit www.goldchallenge.org You can also visit the Diverse Abilities Plus Facebook and Twitter pages at www.facebook.com/diverseabilitiesplus and www.twitter.com/GoldChallengeDA Ends

Editors Notes Diverse Abilities Plus is a charity that has been supporting children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and associated disabilities working in the County of Dorset, England for 55 years. The charity provides a range of assistance, support and education services for young people aged two to 19, adults and families. Services include:
• Langside School – independent, non maintained specialist day school for children and young people from the age of two to 19 years who have PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities). It’s one of only 19 similar SEN (special education needs) schools in the UK.
• Smithers – provides overnight and day short breaks. Short breaks help families manage the challenges of providing full time care for their child. A visit can be during the day or a ‘sleep over’ allowing the child to make and meet friends and relax and enjoy themselves. • Shapes – provides home support (domiciliary care) for children and young people aged between two and 18 with individually tailored programs. • Project My Time – provides child-led holiday activities that give young people with disabilities the same leisure and fun opportunities that their peers enjoy. • Barnabas – a well equipped day setting for adults. Adults can learn new skills and enjoy a wide range of experiences.
• Supported living – this service is for people who live in their own home but may need up to 24/7 support.
• Disability Wessex – offers assistance with disability benefits for people with disabilities or chronic and acute health conditions and their families or carers, as well as the parents of disabled children.
• Play Opportunities – supports families with disabled children to have a chance to get out and enjoy themselves with other families in similar situations.
• Awesome Days and Awesome Nights – A youth group, set up and run by young people of all abilities, aged between 13 – 19 years.
• Face 2 Face – a free and confidential network of trained volunteer befrienders, who support parents to make positive adjustments to the news that their child has a disability or additional need. Every Face2Face befriender is a parent whose own child has a disability. They know what it’s like to cope with a new diagnosis and can offer support parent to parent.

The charity was founded in 1955 by Mrs Phyllis Edwards who formed a group of parent’s intent on providing better opportunities for their children with physical and learning disabilities.

Visit Diverse Abilities Plus Facebook page at www.facebook.com/diverseabilitiesplus and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GoldChallengeDA For more information
Contact: Zoe Hiljemark, PR Account Director / Jenny Pearce, Senior PR Account Executive
E-mail: zoe@marketing-matters.co.uk / jenny@marketing-matters.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1202 777111 / +44 (0) 7770 924439
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