About

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Talking Newspaper?

A. A Talking Newspaper is an audio recording of local news and features being read aloud.

Q. Who listens to Lothiansound?

A. Hundreds of listeners, a high percentage of whom are over retirement age.

Q. Why do people listen?

A. To hear local news. Blind and partially-sighted people often feel isolated and find it difficult to go out and mix with people, especially if they are elderly. They can Iisten to national and international news on the television or radio but can't read the local newspapers. Local Talking Newspapers exist to bridge the gap; to keep blind and partially-sighted people up to date with local news.

Q. Do Listeners have to be registered blind or partially sighted?

A. No, anyone who is unable to read newspaper print, is welcome.

Q. How much does it cost to be a Listener?

A. The service is entirely free of charge. The postage is free, thanks to the Post Office "Articles for the Blind" arrangement, for Listeners who are registered blind or partially sighted.

Q. How is Lothiansound funded?

A. Lothiansound depends on donations and income earned by recording newsletters, theatre programmes etc. for other organisations.

Q. Is Lothiansound a charity?

A. Yes. Scottish Charity Number SC002810.

Q. How can I donate to Lothiansound?

A. Please send your donation to:

Lothiansound Treasurer
PO Box 28340
EDINBURGH
Scotland
EH9 8BW

See the Donate page for more information.

Q. How can I use easyfundraising to help fund Lothiansound for free?

easyfundraising is a website which allows users to sign up and use their online shopping to make money for good causes. A Supporter follows links out to well-known online shopping sites, makes their purchases, and a proportion of their spending is donated to Lothiansound, at no cost to themselves. It's quick to sign up, straightforward to use, and means that Listeners, Volunteers and Supporters can help fund Lothiansound for free. More than £800 has been raised so far. Find out more at the Lothiansound page on easyfundraising.

Q. Who runs Lothiansound?

A. An enthusiastic and reliable band of Volunteers.

Q. How can my club/association find out more about Talking Newspapers?

A. If you are a member of a club/association, please consider hosting a talk about Talking Newspapers. For further information, please e-mail info@lothiansound.org.uk

Q. How can I become a Volunteer?

A. Contact us by e-mail: info@lothiansound.org.uk or phone: 0131-661-2850.