Since joining as a volunteer, Dawn has been hugely positive, open-minded and accommodating to the changing needs of the charity.

Today is ‘Take your dog to work day’ which for many of our dogs, is every day! Mike shares the incredible difference his hearing dog, Ron, has made to his working life.

Lauren was born profoundly deaf. In 2008, at the age of nine, she became one of just 12 children to be partnered with a hearing dog in a pilot study, partly funded by the BBC Children in Need Appeal.

Matt and Viv Bridgman give a frank, real-life perspective on becoming first-time volunteer puppy trainers #VolunteerVoices

From giving Ash and Ivan the perfect retirement homes to gardening at our southern training centre, and everything else in between, Phil has made a huge impact since he started volunteering at Hearing Dogs nine years ago.

Nine years ago, Ann experienced a coma triggered by an auto-immune response to a virus. When she regained consciousness, she was profoundly deaf. For Ann, coming to terms with her deafness took time, but then hearing dog Gryffin arrived.

Though she’d be the last to shout about it, Anita has volunteered for and led the York & District Fundraising Group for 15 years!

When ex-Navy veteran, Deryck, lost his wife during the pandemic, he was plunged into a very dark and lonely place. The day before what would have been their 46th wedding anniversary, he met his hearing dog, Elroy. Now, Deryck’s best friend is always there for him.

Anne & Bruno have been volunteering for 17 years and are the highly-respected linchpins of our Cambridge Fundraising Branch.

18 April 2018 is a date that Lisa will never forget – it’s the day that sound support dog Leo came bounding into her life.

Do you remember sponsor puppy Rico? Now all grown up, he is Sandra’s hearing dog and is making an incredible difference to her life every day.

For five years, Philip and Rose had been Volunteer Puppy Trainers. Together, they cared for three puppies-in-training, Dexter, Oreo and Skye. Now, their relationship with Skye has become even more special as she has begun working as Philip’s own sound support dog.

Hearing dog, morale booster, and army mascot, Neil tells us about how his hearing dog, Harry, has changed his life and taken over his workplace.

Poodle lover and problem solver, Sandra is one of those volunteers we just cannot function without!

Maxine's personal drive, outgoing personality and ability to motivate others, mean that she’s one of those exceptional people that not only have ideas, she also makes them happen!

Derek applied for a hearing dog following a near miss, when a fire almost broke out in his house. Now, with Labrador Irving by his side, Derek feels much safer at home and he has also noticed an improvement in his mental health.

12-year-old Elyana and her hearing dog, black Labrador Gordon, are finalists in the Child’s Champion category of the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2024! Read their story and please vote for them here.

With the reassurance that hearing dog Elvis can alert her to important and potentially even life-saving sounds, Chloe feels so much more relaxed at home and at work.

Helen confidently and competently represents Hearing Link Services centre stage, in group work and behind the scenes. Her lipreading sessions are particularly popular.

Emily was partnered with hearing dog Marcus five years ago and her confidence has grown ever since. Emily also feels safe in the knowledge that our clever cocker spaniel will always be there to alert her to sounds like a fire alarm.

May we thank both Lin and Tim for giving so much of their time, generosity, and good humour to Hearing Dogs, and also wish Lin a very merry Christmas Eve birthday!

Ailsa lends a friendly face to Hearing Link Services. She is approachable, knowledgeable and always happy to help.

Nicola's hearing loss meant that she lost confidence and felt anxious. Then Dolly bounded into her life...

Anne is a hive of knowledge on all things Hearing Dogs. With wonderful Tegan and charming Malcolm by her side, this trio are volunteer gold!

Ralph used to struggle with people’s lack of awareness of his ‘hidden disability’. Now, former sponsor pup Winnie is changing that...

Our Yorkshire community wouldn't be the same without Karen; she's fun, family-minded and perfect with Poodles!

Linda's hearing loss drained her confidence and made her feel isolated and lonely. However, sound support dog Aspen helps her to overcome the daily challenges and gives her a reason to smile every day.

Karen's contribution extends far beyond her dog training skills; she has a great sense of humour which brings joy and laughter to those around her.

Carolann lacked confidence and suffered from anxiety and depression due to her deafness. Marly, her first hearing dog, turned her life around, but when he passed away suddenly, Carolann's past feelings quickly returned. However, a new face arrived in her life, and she hasn’t looked back.

Cockapoo Ozzie shows he's a whizz at picking up new skills, and handsome Hugh learns all about trains. Find out what else our clever pups have been up to in their training classes.

Pets at Home chose Hearing Dogs as the beneficiary charity for their Summer Fundraiser for a second year, and they have raised a staggering sum that will help to transform the lives of deaf people.

Volunteer duo Karen and Ambassador Dog Bruno perfectly represent the Charity’s purpose and values in the North East.

Author Mike's unique charitable endeavours, readiness to attend public engagements and amiable personality make him a pleasure to work with and volunteer alongside.

Linda’s partnership with hearing dog Fidget began in 2015. Nine years on, as Fidget nears retirement, Linda looks back at the wonderful life she has enjoyed with her devoted Labrador.

Volunteers Malcolm Domb & Cindy Whife are wonderful ambassadors for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and we are so lucky to have them.

Before Rudy came into 11-year-old Alexis’s life, she struggled to talk to people, especially about her deafness. Now with Rudy by her side, Alexis is growing in confidence every day.

Phil Woodage AKA ‘Coach Phil’ is the friendly face of Hearing Dogs!

Carole's hearing dogs have provided her with incredible support over the last 22 years. Carole shares her story of the impact King and Jack have had on her life.

Between dog care, car boot sales and her cheery good humour, we’d be lost without volunteer Pat Lownds.

Arya was once a cute little cuddly puppy – strong-willed, smart, and sleepy. Today she’s totally transformed Peter’s life, thanks to the kindness of people who sponsored her...

Jo is a dream volunteer whose ability and accomplishment, as a volunteer puppy trainer, are extremely evident.

Nikki almost definitely doesn’t know how brilliant she is! Her volunteer contribution, in such a multitude of ways, cannot be overstated.

When Nadine applied for a hearing dog, she hoped it would ease her day-to-day struggles and worries, but what she didn’t expect was for her new four-legged companion to change her outlook and life entirely.

David's deafness led to isolation and at times he wanted to give up on life. But from darkness into the light, and hearing dog Asti and Hearing Link Services have helped to change David's whole outlook.

Superlatives are almost not enough to fully represent what Bryan and Terry have achieved with our Cheshire Branch over the years.

When Ana went to university, a lot changed in her life. Her amazing hearing dog Valley, alongside our ongoing support, helped Ana with this transition.

From puppyhood to placement, November's Volunteer of the Month Mandy has had trainee Leoni's back throughout.

Ian’s deafness created a number of challenges in his life, which left him in a very dark place. He withdrew from the world and was left alone with his thoughts, which also became very dark. But his hearing dogs have brought Ian light.

Ann has been a stalwart of Hearing Link Service's team of peer support volunteers for well over a decade.

There is a lovely proverb: it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes an entire community of staff and volunteers to raise and train a hearing dog!

Sally is a natural-born fundraiser, a gift to her community and a leading light of our organisation.

Remember sponsor puppy Otis? Now all grown up, he is Gail’s hearing dog and is making an incredible difference to her life every day.

Sheila stood by her promise of giving back to the charity, by volunteering once she was partnered with hearing dog Hylton.

Eileen is a pillar of support for the charity, her fellow volunteers, staff, and most importantly, the dogs she takes care of and trains.

We are so proud to announce that our wonderful volunteer Irene has been awarded a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister.

Matina is a real ray of sunshine and wonderful representative for Hearing Dogs in Hertfordshire.

Seven years ago, Meg’s life changed forever when she was partnered with her beloved hearing dog Sparky. However, this year Meg needed extra support that Sparky couldn’t provide and she looked to our Hearing Link Services for a helping hand.

We are excited to announce that Hearing Dogs has been chosen to feature on a special High Wycombe edition of the Monopoly board game!

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice visited our training centre in Buckinghamshire for a special feature for Steph's Packed Lunch to see how we train our puppies and to meet some of our hearing dogs.

Crumble has recently arrived with experienced volunteer puppy trainers and May's Volunteers of the Month, Ken & Margaret Ness. She’s their sixth black Labrador trainee!

When Shmita was just six years old she experienced a traumatic event that would change her life. It took away her smile and left her feeling sad, lonely and unable to communicate.

For 28 years Janice has valued the support of having a hearing dog. Now, having just received her fourth dog, Janice reflects on the huge difference they have made to her life.

Lynn is a superb volunteer and treasured friend who welcomes puppies, fellow volunteers and even film crews into her interesting home and life.

Over and above being a very talented dog trainer, Aimee also takes the most amazing photos, which really help us to spread awareness. If you ever need to see a happy face, then Mocha’s Instagram page is the place to go!

Hearing dog Edgar helps his deaf partner John on a daily basis, but not long ago Edgar stepped in to help rescue a member of the public.

This will be new mum Kirsten's first Mother’s Day and she has so much to thank hearing dog Pickle for…

Angela Johnson is one of our longest serving volunteers, a great ambassador for the charity in our local community and just one of the nicest people you could hope to meet.

Unquestionably, saying goodbye can be a challenging part of being a volunteer with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Here are some favourite pieces of advice, and other wise words, from volunteers who have been through the experience.

When Lauren’s first hearing dog Sam retired, she knew there would be big paws to fill. However, black Labrador Douglas stepped in to give Lauren the confidence she needed to live life the way she wants, just like Sam had done before.

Peter is a real gentleman. He’s hardworking, conscientious and someone that can be entirely relied upon. It’s great to have him around and his calm influence is really appreciated.

Since Elizabeth joined our volunteer family she has consistently been known for rolling up her sleeves to tackle anything asked of her in a very practical, willing and quietly competent way.

Taking on any task with a big smile, James Kemp really is an outstanding volunteer for Hearing Link and our Volunteer of the Month for November 2021!

For sixteen-year-old Ryan, the emotional support of a hearing dog has made life so much easier, especially in times of stress and anxiety.

Peggy Southgate, our Volunteer of the Month for October 2021, is a great friend to others and always shows out for her favourite charity, giving 100%.

Diana & Chris Burrell, our Volunteers of the Month for September 2021, go quietly about their business, diligently helping behind the scenes and giving generously.

Rachel and hearing dog Archer recently celebrated their first anniversary of being in partnership, and this incredible Cocker Spaniel is already helping Rachel to live life the way she wants.

Not only does Carol Day, our Volunteer of the Month for August 2021, donate her own time to volunteering, but another volunteer has grown in confidence and truly blossomed because of her.

One of our very own hearing dog partners, Verity Green, has become the first deaf British woman to swim the English Channel, and all in aid of Hearing Dogs.

What’s it like growing up with a language processing disorder as well as hearing loss? For Trinity Rogers, it’s been an enduring struggle, but hearing dog Alvin makes everything easier.

The Porters are such wonderful volunteers where the phrase 'going above and beyond' doesn't even come close to how much they have done for the charity.

Liz & Bill Barratt, our Volunteers of the Month for June 2021, have chalked up well over two decades of dedicated volunteering at Hearing Dogs.

Nothing is too much trouble for Janet Ratcliffe our Volunteer of the Month for May 2021. She’s a superb all-rounder - the type of woman who can turn her hand to anything with aplomb!

Gaynor Tilby, our Volunteer of the Month for April, is a really great speaker with a fascinating story and one of the widest smiles at Hearing Dogs!

Twenty-one-year-old Erin recently celebrated the first anniversary of being partnered with hearing dog Otis, and it’s safe to say that this incredible black Labrador has already made a huge difference to her life.

As first-time volunteers, Nicola & Chris Rose have gone above and beyond to help train their first dog Berry.

Life-changing is certainly true when you talk about Jen and her hearing dog Dram. Jen had always struggled with loneliness, but that changed when a very clever cocker spaniel came bounding into her life.

February's Volunteer of the Month - Sarah Bond along with her hearing dog Albert - burst onto the volunteering scene with energy, joy and a knack for social media content that you just can’t teach.

The Pattersons have a great way with dogs, and a particular fondness for black Labradors whom they train with such love and fun. Meet our first Volunteers of the Month of 2021...

Even before lockdown, many deaf people felt isolated. During the Coronavirus crisis, loneliness became even more of a challenge. British Sign Language teacher Jill Hipson describes how she stayed connected to the world, with help from hearing dog Kit.

Our extra special Christmas Volunteer of the Month is Christine Wright who has been loyally fundraising and expertly representing Hearing Dogs since the pencil and paper days of our record keeping!

Sunday 29 November 2015 is a day Sarah will never forget. It's the day cocker spaniel Albert became her hearing dog and a moment in time that changed her life forever.

Jean Stevens volunteers for both Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link and is November's multi-tasking Volunteer of the Month!

Congratulations to Harro Dorsch for nailing both the Virtual London Marathon and Volunteer of the Month in October!

Molly was once a cute little sponsor puppy. Now she’s helping Clare every day, at work, at home and at play. This is Clare's story...

Our September Volunteer of the Month is Deb Fullbrook. A kinder, more warm-hearted or dedicated woman you’d struggle to meet.

Mary Wiles is someone who espouses the charity values of kindness, professionalism and courage. She couldn't be more deserving of the special accolade of being our 100th Volunteer of the Month.

Community minded couple Ian & Dee Snudden are our kind and very capable Volunteers of the Month in July 2020.

Shining a light on modest volunteers Hilary & Jim Miller who are our Volunteers of the Month for June 2020!

Chris Whitelaw had been a professional musician for 25 years when he experienced a sudden decline in his hearing. He reveals how hearing loss impacted his life and how a very clever hearing dog has helped him.

Jean Godfrey is our Volunteer of the Month for May 2020!

Social media superstar Zoe Simmons is our volunteer of the month for April 2020!

Bob is our superstar Volunteer of the Month for March 2020!

Pickle is not only a life-changing hearing dog, but she's also a life-saving one. Find out how this incredibly clever cockapoo came to the rescue of her deaf partner, Kirsten.

Our very popular volunteer of the month for February 2020 is Cathy Steyn!

Sarah was born profoundly deaf and was often made to feel unimportant – almost invisible. Hearing dog Albert has given her the confidence to live life the way she wants to.

Our first volunteers of the month for 2020 are Sally & David Meace.

When Margo was told she was profoundly deaf, she felt like a door had been slammed in her face. She couldn’t cope with the changes deafness brought, and stopped doing things she loved.

Merry Christmas to mascot volunteer extraordinaire Isabelle Baldwin who is our Volunteer of the Month for December 2019!

When Lisa suddenly became completely deaf, her life imploded. Last year, she was matched with hearing dog Hunter – a gorgeous black Labrador who is not only her ‘ears’, but also her lifeline.

Graeme Rudd is our invaluable, friendly and super-efficient Volunteer of the Month for November 2019.

Ruth and two year old cocker spaniel Larry, who was trained by Hearing Dogs as a Confidence and Companion dog, have something very special in common – they are both deaf.

Our Volunteer of the Month for October 2019 is the eternally cheerful and enthusiastic Margaret Pearson from Chester Le Street!

Thanks to Hearing Dogs & Hearing Link, Sue now feels like she 'belongs'.

Claire Clapham has an incredibly generous donor to thank for life-changing Ted – he’s one of five pups paid for by a single legacy gift.

Our Volunteer of the Month for September 2019 is the multi-tasking dynamo that is Fiona Whitelaw!

Jocelyne's hearing dogs have provided her with immeasurable support over the years. Now, they’ve inspired her to train for the London Marathon to raise money to help another deaf person get a hearing dog.

We can’t thank Nicole Brett, Volunteer of the Month for August 2019, enough for everything she’s done for the Hearing Dogs community.

Hearing dog Zara is not only giving Lynda the confidence to reconnect with life, she is also helping a whole new generation of young people to understand hearing loss.

A huge thank you to Rachel Robinson - our Volunteer of the Month for July 2019.

Columnist, broadcaster and rock music journalist Garry Bushell on the difference sound support dog Ozzie makes to his life and why we should all be more proactive in raising awareness of hearing health.

A special Volunteers' Week thank you to Steff Jones - our Volunteer of the Month for June 2019.

Sally Harris became deaf as a result of brittle bone disease, but she didn't realise how lonely she'd become until a hearing dog helped her face the world again.

Nicki Johnson fosters hearing dog mum Charley, who had her first litter of future life-changers just before Christmas.

Happy birthday to Ray Hole our accomplished Volunteer of the Month for May 2019!

Graham is a Year 4 teacher and also a player and assistant coach for England Deaf Rugby Union. He has a hearing dog called Jovi, who has helped changed his life.

Huge thanks to Steve & Barbara Wood our wonderful Volunteers of the Month for April 2019!

Tania & Keith Leman are not only new puppy parents, but our Volunteers of the Month for March 2019!

Steve Beal shares his hearing loss journey and how Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link have changed his life and his family’s.

Find out more about Clare & Mike Coote, our Volunteers of the Month for February 2019

Meet our February Partnership of the Month - 15-year-old Oscar and his hearing dog Rosie. Read their story here.

Pam & Geoff Harper are the first Volunteers of the Month for 2019!

It's a privilege to crown Janet Rutson as December's Volunteer of the Month, she's simply wonderful!