Deafness champion up forcounty community award

Lisa Baldock ,from Portsmouth, has been nominated for a Hampshire High Sheriff Community Award, a mark of distinction and recognition given to public servants, individual volunteers or community groups based in Hampshire, who are making a significant contribution to their communities.

The focus of the awards this year is on public servants, individuals or groups working on law and order related projects, with a particular emphasis on those that enhance safety and cohesion in our communities.

Lisa, who is profoundly deaf, has not only been working closely with the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, but also her achievements in raising deaf awareness in the civil service.

Lisa said: ‘I have my own hearing dog, called Inca, and we are always up on our feet doing things.

‘The fact that I was nominated is something that I am very proud of – especially my work with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. It is naturally a charity that is very close to my heart.

‘My work with the civil service is something that I am also really pleased with; I have been trying to raise awareness of the issues hearing impaired people face.’

Most of Lisa’s work is with the Department for Work and Pensions,

She explained: ‘I like to give talks on deafness and how it can be tackled in the workplace.’

Lisa added that she has one friend in particular to thank.

‘I genuinely feel very lucky to be in the position where I can do what I do – and most of that is down to Inca.

‘Having Inca in my life gave me a massive boost to my confidence, and made me believe that I could do anything.’

‘Inca and I are also going to Crufts next weekend as a bit of a treat.’

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