Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care has launched its new initiative, Hear Today, Think Tomorrow, in aid of its chosen charity, Alzheimer’s Society.

Roger Esson, professional services audiologist at Scrivens, said one of the aims of the initiative is to highlight the broader wellbeing benefits of good hearing, such as supporting mental sharpness, reducing brain fatigue and maintaining social connections.

The Didcot Scrivens branch, located on Broadway, has also partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society to train its teams as Dementia Friends.

Sarabjoyt Kaur Minhas, regional fundraiser at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’re delighted that Scrivens has been supporting Alzheimer’s Society since 2015 and that its staff are becoming Dementia Friends.

“Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative aims to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia.

“By attending an information session, Scrivens staff will have a better understanding of dementia and be inspired to make a difference for people affected in their communities.”

A spokesperson  for Scrivens said: “The link between hearing health and mental wellbeing makes acting sooner rather than later all the more important.

“Unlike some conditions, hearing loss has no cure, but it can be effectively managed with hearing aids.

“Evidence suggests that the sooner action is taken, the better the outcomes, both for hearing itself and for the wider cognitive benefits that come with it.”

To help people get started, Scrivens has created the Hear for You – Hearing hub, which includes an online hearing test.

More information can be found at the Scrivens website.

The Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) has been introduced at NHS Trusts in Reading, Oxford, and Buckinghamshire, and will soon launch in Frimley.

The service works by proactively identifying patients at risk after a fracture, assessing their osteoporosis risk, and providing ongoing support and treatment.

Steve McManus, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and Acute Provider Collaborative, said: “We know that for people with osteoporosis that intervening early can make a huge difference to their outcomes, especially in the longer term.

“The nurse-led service now in place in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxford means we can spot people with the condition earlier, and get them the treatment and support they need – reducing the risk of it escalating into a more serious presentation – for example a hip fracture, with all the implications that can come with that.”

In just over a year, the service has identified and supported an extra 1,000 patients, resulting in estimated savings of £1.5 million across the Thames Valley region and nearly 2,000 hospital bed days avoided.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society worked out that in the single 12-month period they looked at, 200 potential future fractures have also been avoided.

The scheme was driven by the Acute Provider Collaborative, set up in 2023 to unite the efforts of several NHS trusts in the region, including Buckinghamshire Healthcare, Oxford University Hospitals, Royal Berkshire, and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The collaborative aims to implement shared best practices across the region to improve patient care.

Bobby Ancil, Head of Health Services Development at the Royal Osteoporosis Society said, “This investment in Fracture Liaison Services should be recognised and sustained as a model of excellent practice.

“Fracture Liaison Services are the gold standard for secondary fracture prevention, and evidence shows that well-resourced services reduce re fracture risk by up to 40 per cent while improving patient outcomes and driving long term system savings.

“Ongoing support and development of these services will be vital to improving bone health outcomes across the region.”

FLS teams proactively identify people who have suffered fractures, assess osteoporosis risk, and arrange DEXA scans to confirm diagnosis.

Patients diagnosed with osteoporosis are supported with treatment and follow-up care for up to 12 months.

Professor Kassim Javaid, Honorary Adult Rheumatology Consultant, Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust, and Clinical Lead for the project said: “It has been inspiring seeing the nurse leadership develop and drive the Fracture Liaison Service delivery so no adult with a recent fracture is left behind.”

The fourth Blenheim Ball, held at the historic Oxford venue, raised the funds for Starlight, a national charity that supports children in hospitals and hospices across the UK by championing the therapeutic benefits of play.

The event was compèred by comedian Rory Bremner and attended by around 200 guests, including Starlight co-founder and Dynasty actor Emma Samms.

Robert Walton and Donna Ida attend the Blenheim Ball (Image: Dave Benett)

Other guests included the Marquess and Marchioness of Blandford.

Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, host and member of the Blenheim Ball Committee, said: “I had the privilege of meeting some members of Starlight’s youth panel recently and heard first hand from them how play in healthcare is vital to babies, children and young people.

“This year is particularly special for Starlight as it marks the 40th anniversary and I share my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported this event through sponsorship, auction prizes, tickets and donations.

The Long Library at Blenheim Palace – transformed for the ball (Image: Supplied)

“The impact of your generosity cannot be underestimated, and neither can the impact of the work the charity does in hospitals and hospices across the UK.

“Play has the power to transform a child’s treatment and long-term wellbeing, and the committee is very proud to support Starlight’s work in this way.”

The ball was supported by partner sponsors Titan Wealth and Dr. Barbara Sturm.

Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining courtesy of chef Tom Booton, alongside musical entertainment from the London Essentials and an auction.

Rory Bremner attends the Blenheim Ball (Image: Dave Benett)

Auction prizes included a luxury island escape donated by Voaara Madagascar, aquamarine jewellery donated by The Jewel Gallery and a private culinary experience with Tom Booton.

A family whose daughter has spent much of her life in hospital due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis spoke at the event, sharing how Starlight’s donated toys and sensory equipment, and a skilled hospital play team, helped her cope with treatment.

Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, said: “The night was a huge success, and we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests.

Noelle Reno attends the Blenheim Ball (Image: Dave Benett)

“Their kind donations will give thousands of children receiving healthcare across the UK the opportunity to play, which we know has the power to reduce fear and prevent trauma.

“We give special thanks to our organising committee – Honorary Chair of Fundraising Alasdair Hadden-Paton, Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, Oliver Hardcastle and Olivia McCall, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it such a fabulous evening.”

Founded 40 years ago by Emma Samms in memory of her brother Jamie, Starlight continues to support children across the UK by providing play resources as well as training and support for play professionals.