The first meeting of the Aintree Tinnitus Support Group was held in April 2008. Three years on I feel it timely to reflect back on the journey.

The benefits of support groups have been well documented and include providing information, reducing the feeling of isolation, giving the opportunity to share experiences and coping skills, as well as gaining inspiration from others.

I took on the task of setting up a local tinnitus support group because of interest expressed by patients in our tinnitus clinics. Many wanted information and additional support during the early stages of their treatment. Whilst the tinnitus clinic can offer individual assessment, investigation and management there was a feeling that meeting others, especially those that had developed good strategies to reduce the affects of the tinnitus, would be invaluable.

The meetings are attended by between 30-50 people, many bring their significant others. There is usually a formal presentation followed by a cup of tea and group discussion. An audiologist is on hand to answer any questions. At each meeting we stress the need to respect confidentiality and any shared experiences. The fact that the support group is not a substitute for individual assessment in clinic is stressed.

Looking back over the three years I am totally amazed by the amount of goodwill and support that the group receives. The meetings are held in the evening and colleagues are willing to give up their free time to present to the group and provide additional support. The patients help to support each other and many travel a considerable distance to attend, even on cold winter nights!

The views of the group have been formally audited twice and more than 90% stated that the support group had made a positive difference and that they had learnt new skills to manage their tinnitus. There is certainly enough enthusiasm to keep the group going into the future. There are many positive ways to help manage tinnitus well and getting this message across is one of the main aims of the group.

The Aintree Tinnitus Support Group was formed in April 2008 and meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except for January & August when there are no meetings) in Room 2.07 of the Clinical Science Building at Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The meetings run from 6 PM until 7.30 PM and all are welcome.

For further information please telephone 0151 529 0328.