South Tyneside and Gateshead, UK – Local charity Vision & Hearing Support made two major announcements on Friday, May 24, 2024. First, the organization will be expanding its services to cater to all adults in the South Tyneside and Gateshead area who are disabled or living with a long-term health condition. And second, the charity has rebranded with a new name – Sense Ability Matters.
Sense Ability Matters, or SAM, has been known for its support for individuals with sensory impairments, visual impairments, and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. With the new name, the organization will extend its reach to provide tailored support to a wider range of individuals, including those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
According to Sarah French, the Chief Executive at Sense Ability Matters, the charity’s vision is to have an informed, empowered, and resilient disabled and sensory loss community in the region. “Our expanded services reflect our commitment to realizing this vision by providing essential support to all individuals in our community who need help,” she says.
The comprehensive support offered by SAM includes rehabilitation, enablement assessments, personalized support plans, information and advice, specialist counseling, community and peer support, employment support, and digital assistance. Each service is designed to address the unique needs of each individual, empowering them to live independently and make positive decisions.
“Our name is new, but our team’s dedication remains unchanged,” French continues. “With a wealth of lived experience and expertise, our team members are equipped to provide compassionate support to those in need, ensuring that everyone feels understood and valued.”
In addition to expanding its services, Sense Ability Matters has also taken steps to support individuals who previously accessed services through the local organization Bliss=Ability, which closed its doors in March 2024. SAM aims to provide continuity of care for these individuals, offering services such as Community Voice sessions, which were previously held in collaboration with Bliss=Ability.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the support they need,” French affirms. “By embracing inclusivity and fostering strong relationships with our stakeholders, we strive to create a more accessible and supportive environment for all.”
Cheryl D’Or, who came to Sense Ability Matters from Bliss=Ability, has found the social group, Community Voice, to be a vital part of her life. “Coming along to Community Voice has been brilliant – we’ve done all sorts of different activities, met lots of people from different backgrounds, and made some great friends,” she says. “It’s fantastic that the service is widening to help even more people in the area. I’d urge anyone to come along and give it a try – it can make a huge difference to your life.”
Gary McLachlan, who was referred to the organization by Sunderland Eye Infirmary when it was known as Sight Service, has been instrumental in the creation of the Men Shed at Lakeside Hall, a social group for men with a visual impairment. “When I first considered going along to a social group, I thought ‘I’m not going to like this’,” he shares. “I was so isolated, I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t get public transport, I didn’t know what to do. But the team from Sight Service helped me get there, and something clicked – I really enjoyed it.”
He adds, “Getting together at groups like the Men Shed is fantastic. We have something in common which bonds us, and we’re able to open up in a way that we can’t even with close family members. Over the years I’ve come to realize just how important mental health is, and these groups really help – it gives you purpose, and makes you feel part of something. I’m excited that the organization is moving onto even bigger and better things as they expand to help more people in the area – we look forward to welcoming anyone who wants to join our group. Not only do SAM support our group, but they can also help point you in the right direction for any other help you might need, from fixing your phone to getting a bus pass.”
For more information about Sense Ability Matters and its services, please visit www.weareSAM.org.uk, email contactus@weareSAM.org.uk, or call 0191 478 5959.
ENDS
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