Bonnybridge IT man gets British Empire Medal in New Year's Honours

Usman Rafiq (40) works as a senior IT assistant at Glasgow Caledonian University but it is his work to establish a hearing aid repair clinic at the college which earned him the BEM from HM The Queen.

Mr Rafiq said: “With help from Action on Hearing Loss I was able to organise the Hear to Help Drop in Service within the university. I wanted to make a difference to people in my community and currently students and staff members who wear hearing aids need to go to hospital audiology departments to get batteries and re-tubing done.

“The Hear to Help Clinic allows not just staff and students to get their hearing aids repaired, but will help members of the public to drop by for hearing checks. This service helps take pressure off the NHS and allow access to vital services for people with hearing loss.

“Glasgow Caledonian University strives to commit to its motto ‘University of the common good’ and it brings me joy I am able to help make a difference in my workplace.”

The service organised by Mr Rafiq is completely free and has also helped students gain new skills.

He added: “One of my drop in session volunteers was a high school student and volunteering helps students gain new skills which they can apply to their studies and eventually in their future chosen career.”

Mr Rafiq also volunteers with Action Hearing Loss Scotland, holding regular talks with students and providing deaf awareness campaigns on the Glasgow University campus.