Volunteer of the Month - April 2025 - Amanda Cornish

If Hearing Dogs was to write the blueprint for ‘positive commitment to volunteering’, we’d essentially be describing Front of House volunteer Amanda Cornish:

• Dedicating time and effort to a worthwhile cause, showing up regularly, and fulfilling expectations – tick!
• Being proactive, a team player, and flexible enough to adapt to changing needs – tick!
• Bringing a can-do attitude, big smile and bags of personality – tick!

“Amanda is brilliant,” says Front of House Manager, Angela Brazier. “She started volunteering for us in The Grange Restaurant four years ago.  She covers two shifts a week, come rain or shine, and - to my knowledge - has only once had to take a break when she fractured her foot! She is now our top Barista - making coffees and teas for all the morning customers, and is meticulous in keeping the area behind the serving counter spick and span.”

Hearing Dogs opened The Grange Restaurant in Spring 2018, designed with accessibility and acoustics in mind, as well as being family and dog-friendly, and of course a great place to eat.

It has enabled the Charity to connect with the public seven days a week, creating an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and open conversations about the purpose and impact of our work supporting people living with hearing loss and deafness, like Amanda, whose primary mode of communication is British Sign Language.

Carol Day volunteers alongside Amanda on a Friday morning:

“All the staff and volunteers really enjoy working with Amanda!  Since we first started volunteering together, she has been patiently teaching me to sign, which has been fantastic.  We have a number of regular customers, who always look forward to seeing Amanda and have also learnt some basic sign language to be able to chat with her.

Amanda is passionate about Hearing Dogs and her role in The Grange Restaurant. She really enjoys her volunteering and is an exceptional representative of the Charity.”

Sarah Allom, Area Training Manager, agrees:

“Amanda never fails to greet me with a warm smile and a hug; it’s such a pleasure when we have time for a cuppa and chat. She brightens up every Monday and Friday morning here - no matter how early!  

Amanda embodies everything we value at Hearing Dogs. She works hard with a smile and empowers everyone around her to learn more. It’s great she always makes a point of going over to talk to other sign language users when they come in, making them feel welcome, understood and seen. Amanda is an inspiration to everyone.”

Hearing Dogs could not be more grateful of Amanda’s exemplary reliability and dedication. She is always willing to help out with other tasks if it's quiet and has completed all the necessary training for volunteering in a restaurant environment, such as allergen awareness, as well as gaining knowledgeable expertise in using the coffee machine.

Restaurant Manager, Sue Brown, concludes:

“Over the past four years, Amanda has progressed greatly, been happy to learn new skills and really grown into her volunteer role at The Grange Restaurant. She is now an accomplished Barista, as well as always looking for things to do and keep clean which is a tremendous help.

Everyone gets on really well with Amanda. Her twice-weekly commitment is admirable and valued; she’s a vital part of the team.”