Become a Listener

We currently have around 50 listeners.  Most are blind or visually impaired, and in many cases have recently begun to lose their sight, but they do not have to be registered blind.  We can also offer our service to people who for some other reason are unable to access the printed word.

When you join us as a listener you will be loaned a player on which to listen to your USB sticks. These players are specially designed for use by blind or partially sighted people; they are small, portable, rechargeable and easy to use.  We provide the equipment free; there is no charge to our listeners.

 

You will receive a USB stick by post every week in a plastic wallet, usually on Saturday or Monday.  There are many hours of listening on the stick; you can listen in your own time and use the controls to access the items you want to listen to, and to skip any which do not interest you. 

 

When you have finished listening to the stick, you simply put it back into the plastic wallet; turn the plastic address label over so that it shows our address; and drop the wallet into a post box.  There’s no need for any postage.

And that’s it!  We are always available to help with any difficulties using the equipment, and enjoy receiving any feedback you may have about what you do or don’t want to hear. To find out more ring 07856 736108 to talk to one of our volunteers , or use our contact form

What’s included on the USB stick?

  • A welcome and introduction giving information, announcements, birthday greetings to listeners, a phone number to ring if you need help with anything and details of what’s coming up on the stick
  • News articles and letters to the editor, selected from the Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth/Baldock Comets and the Royston Crow
  • Brief details from the notices of deaths in those papers
  • Quizzes – just for fun!
  • A roundup of sports news from the local area
  • Details of well-known birthdays and events from history for the week ahead
  • Selected general interest articles on a wide variety of subjects, including radio recommendations for the week ahead
  • Audio recordings provided under license by the RNIB, of articles from a wide variety of weekly and monthly national magazines

SNH Talking Newspapers - A free local service for blind or partially sighted people

Registered charity 1184417