Sensory loss support services

We have sensory social workers within our Sensory team who are qualified to carry out assessments for those who are deaf / deafened / hard of hearing and deafblind. They can refer you to other teams or services where appropriate. They also provide awareness training to help you, as well as offering support and advice to family members and carers.

Following an assessment our sensory social workers can provide help, or refer you to other teams if necessary, with:

• mental health problems
• using local community services
• managing practical daily living
• making decisions and keeping safe
• overcoming communication barriers
• work and / or education
• social isolation
• provision of equipment

For those who have both a vision and hearing loss, we have a specially trained team who can carry out an assessment to see what support or equipment can be provided. The type of support offered will depend on the needs of the individual, but could include helping you to:

• manage communication with other people, for example at the bank and in shops, or on the telephone
• accessing information, for example being able to deal with letters or bank statements
• get out and about so you become more independent

The team can also provide awareness training to help you, and offer support and advice to family members and carers.

Certificate of vision impairment

If you have been diagnosed with a vision loss, we will be informed of this in writing with a certificate of vision impairment from your eye specialist.

We keep a register of all those given this certificate. Everyone who goes on this register will be offered an assessment. This assessment will help you access support through our vision rehabilitation service.

Vision rehabilitation service 

Our vision rehabilitation service can help you to develop your skills and confidence so that you can maintain or rediscover some of your independence, both at home and in the community. 

Our rehabilitation officers provide:

• orientation and mobility training both inside and outside of your home
• independent living skills training, such as food preparation
• communication skills training so that you can access information, bills, finances and more. This includes the use of technology and phones
• low vision therapy to make the best use of visual skills
• awareness training to support you as well as family members and carers

This service should help you to become as independent as possible. However, if you still struggle with your independence long-term support may then be considered. 

When: Every second Thursday of every month between 1pm and 3pm.
Where: Harrogate Library
 

Easingwold Macular Group meeting 

When: Second Monday of every month from 10.30am until midday.
Where: The New Inn 60 to 62 Long Street, Easingwold, YO61 3HT

Harrogate and Ripon Centre for Voluntary Services 

When: Every Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm.
Where: Harrogate and Ripon Centre for Voluntary Services, 46 to 50 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5RR

Mowbray Community Church - signed services for deaf people 

When: Every second Sunday of the month, come and enjoy lunch at 1pm in the Side Hall, followed by a church service from 2pm until 3pm.
Where: Mowbray Community Church, Westmoreland Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5AT

Richmond Macular Group meeting 

When: First Monday of every month from 1.30pm until 3pm.
Where: Methodist Church, accessible from Dundas Street, Richmond DL10 4AE

Selby Macular Society Support Group 

When: Fourth Tuesday of every month from 11am until 12.30 pm.
Where: Selby Abbey Coffee Shop, The Crescent, Selby YO8 4PU

When: Every first Monday of every month between 10am and 1pm.
Where: Westborough Methodist Church, Westborough, Scarborough, YO11 1TS
 

When: First Thursday of every month at 2.30pm.
Where: Thirsk Community Library

Contact Yan on 07766 025 896 for details.

Coastline Sight and Hearing 

Address: Unit 1 The Street, 12 Lower Clark Street, Scarborough, YO12 7PW
Telephone: 07751 428131
Website: Coastline Sight and Hearing 

Galloways Society for the Blind

Address: Howick House, Howick Park Avenue, Penwortham, Preston PR1 0LS Telephone: 01772 744148
Website: Galloways  

Harrogate Deaf Society 

Address: Community House, 46 to 50 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5RR
Telephone: 01423 503700
Website: Harrogate Deaf Society

Mysight York 

Address: 4 Merchant Place, Merchantgate, York, YO1 9TU
Telephone: 01904 636269

Selby District Vision 

Address: Prospect Centre, Prospect Way, Selby YO8 8BD
Telephone: 01757 709800

Sight Advice South Lakes 

Address: The Bradbury Centre, 116 Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE
Telephone: 01539 769055
Website: Sight Advice 

Sight Airedale 

Address: 31 Scott Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 2JH
Telephone: 01535 602354

Sight Support Ryedale 

Address: Norton Hive Community Library, Commercial Street, Norton, YO17 9ES
Telephone: 01653 698860

Teesside and District Society for the Blind

Address: Stockton Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4AH
Telephone: 01642 247518

Vision Support, Harrogate and District 

Address: 23 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LF
Telephone: 01423 565915

Yorkshire Coast Sight Support 

Address: 183 Dean Road Scarborough YO12 7JH
Telephone: 01723 354417