See, Hear, Remember exhibition: helping people find support when it matters most

What do you do when changes to your hearing, sight or memory begin to affect everyday life?

For many people, knowing where to turn for support can be one of the biggest challenges. Finding the right information, services and practical solutions can feel overwhelming, especially at a time when confidence and independence may already be affected.

That’s why the Living Well with Dementia, Sight and Hearing Loss Exhibition brought together more than 80 organisations at Theatre Severn, creating a welcoming space where people could access support, discover new technology and connect with services that could make a real difference to their daily lives.

Delivered in partnership by Community Resource, Sight Loss Shropshire and Radfield Home Care, the event welcomed hundreds of visitors from across Shropshire and beyond. Charities, community groups, health organisations and technology providers came together under one roof, making it easier for people to explore the help available and find support tailored to their needs.

Bringing support together in one place

One message came through clearly throughout the day: many people don’t know what support is available until they need it.

For many visitors, the exhibition provided reassurance that they were not alone and practical steps they could take to access support, stay independent and continue living well.

Whether living with dementia, sight loss or hearing loss, or supporting a family member or friend, finding the right help at the right time can make a huge difference. The exhibition aimed to remove some of those barriers by bringing information, advice and practical support together in one accessible location.

Visitors were able to speak directly with organisations, explore assistive technology, learn about local groups and discover services designed to help them stay connected, informed and independent.

For many, the opportunity to see products and services first-hand was particularly valuable.

Visitors appreciated the opportunity to try products, ask questions and compare options before making decisions about what might work for them. As one visitor put it:

“Finding new products and seeing them in real life.”

Practical solutions also made a lasting impression. One attendee shared:

“Great help with hearing aid. Found a doorbell you can hear all round the house.”

Creating connections and building confidence

Beyond the information and resources on offer, visitors highlighted the welcoming atmosphere created by exhibitors and volunteers.
One attendee said:

“All exhibitors happy to share and not pushy if you weren’t interested. Great breadth of services.”

The event was equally valued by organisations taking part.

Shropshire Libraries described it as:

“As always a fantastic event with great variety. Look forward to next year.”

Age UK added:

“Lots of staff support, lots of attendees and good productive conversations.”

Feedback like this demonstrates the value of bringing organisations together and creating opportunities for people to have meaningful conversations, ask questions and discover support they may not otherwise have found.

Supporting people beyond the exhibition

While the exhibition was a one-day event, the need for support continues throughout the year.

The exhibition may only last a day, but the advice, connections and support it provides can have a lasting impact long after visitors leave.

Many of the conversations held during the day highlighted how important local services are in helping people stay connected to their communities, maintain their independence and access practical support when they need it most.

For Community Resource, one way we provide that ongoing support is through our Hearing Loss Support Hubs. Delivered across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the service offers practical help with NHS hearing aids, maintenance and repairs, advice and guidance, community-based support hubs, and home visits for people who are unable to travel. Over the past year, the service supported 1,512 appointments, delivered 144 hearing loss hubs across 13 locations and carried out 872 home visits.

We are currently raising funds to help sustain and grow this vital service so that more people can continue to access support close to home. Every contribution helps people remain connected, confident and independent in their communities.

Find out more about the appeal and support our Hearing Loss Support Hubs.

Thank you

A huge thank you to our event partners, Sight Loss Shropshire and Radfield Home Care; our sponsors Ethical Workforce Solutions, U3A Shrewsbury and Housing Plus Group; all exhibitors; our dedicated volunteers; and everyone who attended.

Together, you helped create an event that informed, inspired and connected people from communities across Shropshire. Most importantly, you helped more people discover that support is available, and that they do not have to face dementia, sight loss or hearing loss alone.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.