groupsAbout Our Initiative
Built from lived experience to bridge NHS clinical care, assistive audio technology, accessible venue auditing, and peer network support across Greater Bristol.
Our Mission and Lived Experience
Hi, I am JP.
Having lived with hearing loss for over 25 years, I know the daily listening fatigue, social friction, and quiet isolation that come with losing your hearing. As the former Specialist Communications and Engagement Officer at the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, I also know how tough it is to find practical, local support.
I founded the Bristol Hearing Loss Initiative to normalise hearing loss and make wearing hearing aids as ordinary as wearing glasses. Zero stigma.
Hearing loss is not just an older generation issue. We support working adults, young people, those coping with sudden loss, and people managing tinnitus.
Our focus is direct:
- Guide people to free NHS audiology pathways and local resources
- Help families and workplaces build practical communication habits
- Work with Bristol venues to fix acoustics and improve access
- Champion modern audio tech like Bluetooth Auracast and speech-enhancing tools
No one should feel cut off from social life because of background noise.
👓 Zero Stigma Normalisation
Treating hearing aids with the same effortless acceptance as eyeglasses, removing shame and celebrating clarity.
👂 All Ages and Hearing Journeys
Supporting young people, adults, families, and anyone living with tinnitus through every stage of hearing change.
🏛️ Accessible Venues and Workplaces
Working with Bristol venues and employers on clear acoustics, hearing loops, and confident workplace communication.
🚀 Next Generation Audio Tech
Sharing updates on Bluetooth Auracast broadcasts, AI noise reduction, and modern NHS hearing aids.
Grassroots Initiative
Grassroots initiative founded by JP to build active peer networks and accessible spaces across Greater Bristol.
FounderJP
Former Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People communications officer with 25 years of lived hearing loss experience. Leading grassroots efforts to normalise hearing health, remove stigma, and establish regular Bristol evening meetups.
Looking for Collaborators and Co-Founders
The Bristol Hearing Loss Initiative is evolving from an initial grassroots prototype into a comprehensive citywide platform. As we scale into in-person workshops, venue accreditations, and funding partnerships, Founder JP is actively looking for passionate people to join and help shape the next stage:
Our Immediate Priority: Evening Support Meetups
We are testing local demand for a free, regular Bristol evening support group. We want to bring adults with hearing loss together in quiet, accessible spaces with working loop systems to share experiences and practical coping strategies.
Once our initiate base grows, we intend to register as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to open doors for formal funding, initiative grants, and broader accessibility training programmes across Bristol.