The England captain has thrown his support behind efforts to improve health and wellbeing services for those with hearing loss in Wychavon.

The England Men's Deaf Football Team captain, Jamie Clarke, 34, is calling for the Deaf community to participate in a focus group organised by the Wychavon District Health Collaborative, dedicated to understanding the needs of the Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing individuals.

The meeting is set to take place from 12pm to 2pm on Tuesday, October 22 at the Civic Centre in Pershore.

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Clarke said: "Deaf life can have its difficulties and we need to share and acknowledge them.

"But there is no reason why Deaf people cannot have the same aspirations and achieve in the same way a non-Deaf person could, we just need the right support in place."

The focus group is a platform for the Deaf community to share their experiences and challenges with decision-makers.

Attendees can also learn more about the Sensory Matters service, which offers advice, referrals, and support for people who are Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing.

Clarke said: "Deaf people face a lot of health and wellbeing issues, including loneliness and isolation, as well as literacy issues, so it’s great organisations like local doctors, Wychavon, and Sight Concern are coming together to raise awareness of this issue and respond to the needs of the Deaf community.

"That’s why it’s important people go to the focus group and share their experiences so the needs of the Deaf community can be properly understood."

Outside of his football career, Clarke is also involved with the Deaf England Cricket Team and works as a part-time model.

However, his greatest passion lies in advocating for the Deaf community and being a role model for young Deaf individuals.

He said: "Growing up I was a big David Beckham fan but there was nobody like me to follow.

"Lots of children tell me they look up to me and being a role model and an advocate is really important to me.

"Things are changing, and I want to keep that momentum up and make the Deaf community proud."