One of the campaign's goals is to raise funds for Assistive Hearing Technology.
In just over two weeks, Lucy Cavendish College will launch LucyGives: Forging Futures Together, a 60-hour celebration marking 60 years of the College. The campaign runs from 8 AM (BST) on Friday 25 April to 8 PM (BST) on Sunday 27 April 2025.
The campaign will raise crucial funds for student support, including bursaries and scholarships, wellbeing initiatives, academic enrichment, and the resources that make Lucy Cavendish a transformative place to live and learn.
One of our key priorities this year is raising £5,500 for assistive hearing technology, ensuring our community is accessible to all. These funds will enhance inclusivity, particularly in communal spaces like Warburton Hall, where hearing challenges can make participation difficult.
The funds raised for this specific project will be allocated to:
- Installing a new Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid loop in Warburton Hall: This will enable attendees of events, including Formal Hall, to clearly hear speakers. (£4,000)
- Purchasing a Roger Pen: This device will facilitate clearer communication during tutorials, small group discussions, and dining in Warburton Hall. (£1,500)
So far, two generous donors have contributed towards this vital project
As shared by alumna Penny McLean and current students Evie and Caroline, hearing impairment can significantly impact both academic and social experiences. Penny reminds us that hearing difficulties are not limited to older individuals:
“Everybody needs to realise that hearing problems are not just the preserve of older people. There are some undergraduates here who have hearing problems. It’s across the spectrum.”
Even with advanced hearing aids, environments like Formal Hall can be overwhelming due to background noise:
“The trouble is, with hearing aids, it’s not like wearing glasses,” Penny explained. “They are aids first and foremost. And you always have problems.”
Current students have also described difficulties. While some can tune out background noise in the cafe to study, the quiet of the library can be overwhelming, with every small sound amplified. Meetings and social events present further obstacles.
The proposed upgrades to the hearing aid loop system in Warburton Hall, along with the purchase of a Roger Pen, are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. These technologies will enable individuals with hearing impairments to engage in meaningful conversations during meals and social gatherings and educe the embarrassment and frustration associated with hearing difficulties.
The installation of a Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid loop will directly transmit sound from microphones to hearing aids, significantly improving clarity. The Roger Pen will further enhance communication in smaller group settings.
Evie says, “When I was applying to colleges, I had to think carefully about my hearing, and I looked for places that would be accepting and accommodating. Lucy Cavendish stood out straight away. I spoke to students in the years above who had applied there, and they all had such glowing things to say. I couldn’t have been happier with my choice.
Having a Bluetooth-enabled, permanent hearing loop in Warburton Hall would make such a difference. It would be as simple as connecting through a Roger system or my phone – that’s how I switch between devices. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the confidence to ask for what you need. The loop would give students like me the support we need without always having to speak up or explain our needs in front of others – to friends, strangers, professors, or supervisors. That would be huge.”
As our students also stated, the investment in assistive hearing technology will help ensure that all members of the Lucy Cavendish community can participate fully in college life.
The LucyGives campaign calls upon the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters. Your contributions will make a tangible difference, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming College environment. Please consider supporting this important initiative.