Social Groups

We aim to provide suitable venues and a welcoming atmosphere at each of our Social Groups to enable you to relax. Have a cuppa, a slice of cake, and a chat with people who share similar daily challenges.

Each group meets monthly in comfortable, centrally located premises, close to public transport and parking.

We have guest speakers, activities, and also provide information about the wide range of services HI Kent has to offer people living with hearing loss. Each group also has the chance to choose activities and speakers for itself.

Our Groups were initially set up in response to the increased isolation felt during the pandemic by people living with a hearing loss. Imagine being unable to use a conventional telephone or struggling with Zoom, or similar technology, to keep in touch by video call. And all at a time when communication was vital. Once life began to return to normal, mask wearing caused more frustration as many people with a hearing loss rely on lipreading.

Come and join us in a comfortable atmosphere of shared experience, in venues across Kent. We currently have groups running in Ashford, Faversham, Maidstone, Meopham, Rochester, Sevenoaks, Staplehurst, Thanet, and Tonbridge.

Click here for venue information, dates and times

To register for a group, or for more information, contact Vicky by calling 01622 691151 or email v.kirk@hikent.org.uk

We also look for Volunteers to run each Social Group. If you are interested, please email v.kirk@hikent.org.uk, call 01622 691151 or text 07939 593030.

This poem was written by one of our Social Group members and is shown here with their kind permission. Thank you Glennis.

Our Social Groups project is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.