A new support group for the hard of hearing is hoping to support Doncaster people.

Pat Fedorenko is a patient of the audiology services in Doncaster, she suffers from tinnitus and loss of hearing.

She has been waiting 10 years to see an audiologist and has only recently been seen thanks to the assistance of local MP Sally Jameson.

She said: “I was only deaf for one year ten years ago but my hearing has got a lot worse and now I am deaf in both ears.”

After her turbulent journey she wants to help others who are in a similar situation.

Pat said: “We have started a group in Cantley and we are trying to reach as many people as possible.

“The aim is to get people together because a lot of them have probably lost confidence and don’t go out much anymore.

“So this is about offering support and giving them a bit of a social life again.”

Pat told us her loss of hearing impacted her ability to work and her capacity to partake in society.

She once worked as a carer at Town Moor Care Home but it became incredibly difficult to care for others as her hearing decreased.

She now works as a cook at the same supportive place of business but told us that the experience was isolating.

“I started slowly backing off and feeling uncomfortable because I couldn’t hear what other people were saying to me,” Pat continued.

“I stopped accepting invitations and withdrew then struggled with depression.”

Pat hopes that the groups will be a safe space for people where they will not feel self conscious.

That they can share stories and goals in a place where they won’t feel judged.

Pat hopes to open up multiple groups across Doncaster and says they will be led and steered by group members themselves.

“The main thing is that people come together,” Pat continued.

“That they are able to speak about how they feel and get back to a more normal life.

“You do feel like you have lost your life sometimes.”

Support group for deaf will bring comfort to those struggling with hearing loss