Profoundly deaf woman visits charity's headquarters to see painting on display

Caroline Lathwell is supported by Action on Hearing Loss at their supported housing service in Tumble. Derwen Road is just one of the services that the charity provides to help people who are deaf, deafblind or have hearing loss and additional needs to live independently.

The 48-year-old is profoundly deaf and has been living at Derwen Road for eight years.

She enjoys painting as a hobby and her impressive artwork has not gone unnoticed.

Caroline previously won a competition to have her art featured as the cover for the charity’s Care & Support brochure. This helped to draw her wonderful talent to the attention of others and the charity decided to display her work.

The painting can now be seen adorning the charity’s canteen wall in the flagship London office.

Caroline said: “It was a bit wow. I didn’t believe it until someone shared the picture of it with me. I am so happy to see the bigger painting, I was very excited.”

Support worker, Sally Saunders, added: “She was so impressed. She has lots of her pictures at home and her artwork is beautiful. Caroline has sold a few paintings already.

"At the moment Caroline is working, so when she’s so busy, painting helps her to relax and de-stress so it’s a really positive thing for her.”

Executive Director for Fundraising and Marketing for Action on Hearing Loss, David Steadman, met Caroline when she visited the office.

He said: “We are so proud to have been able to support Caroline for the past eight years and we are very grateful to her for allowing us to showcase this beautiful artwork. Caroline’s wonderful story highlights how important it can be for someone to be given the chance to live independently whilst being offered the right support.

"At Action on Hearing Loss we personalise our services to every individual, supporting people to achieve their aspirations, maintain independence and live as part of their community.”