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News & Star | News | New team will help Cumbria's deaf and blind
People suffering from double sensory loss can call on a new team of helpers across Cumbria, thanks to a £40,000 boost from the county council.
The 12 communicator guides will be on hand to go into the homes of people suffering from hearing and sight loss, to help with everything from making a cup of tea to advice on support groups and transport services.
The guides have just completed their training and are ready to provide a helping hand to the 3,200 people in Cumbria who suffer severe problems due to dual sensory loss.
As the population ages, the council said the figure was likely to rise to 4,000 by 2020.
A spokesman for the council said the guides would help with “anything and everything”.
“You name it and they’ll do it,” he said.
“Living with dual sensory loss can be incredibly isolating. Many people feel very alone, have little means of communication and find it difficult to be active members of the community.”
The new guides will be able to help with practical matters such as using computers or telephones, helping with conversations and group situations, and give advice on keeping safe while out walking and using red and white canes.
They will also help with everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea or using the microwave.
Cumbria County Councillor James Airey, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is a great service that the county council has helped set up and fund.
“Many of the difficulties that people with dual sensory loss live with what the rest of us take for granted without a moment’s thought.
“There is a need for people who are deaf-blind, and have profound communication difficulties, to have regular support to maintain their independence and help them continue to contribute to family and community life and deal with the considerable challenges of living with dual sensory loss.”
Mr Airey said the guides could also help carers and family members who may already be helping a person with dual sensory loss.
“The guides are a link between the person who is deaf-blind and the community, minimising isolation and teaching the skills required for ongoing independence,” he added.
For more details on communicator guides, contact Dee Taylor on 01229 894645 or Simon Crabbe on 01228 606766 or visit Deaf Vision:
People suffering from double sensory loss can call on a new team of helpers across Cumbria, thanks to a £40,000 boost from the county council.
The 12 communicator guides will be on hand to go into the homes of people suffering from hearing and sight loss, to help with everything from making a cup of tea to advice on support groups and transport services.
The guides have just completed their training and are ready to provide a helping hand to the 3,200 people in Cumbria who suffer severe problems due to dual sensory loss.
As the population ages, the council said the figure was likely to rise to 4,000 by 2020.
A spokesman for the council said the guides would help with “anything and everything”.
“You name it and they’ll do it,” he said.
“Living with dual sensory loss can be incredibly isolating. Many people feel very alone, have little means of communication and find it difficult to be active members of the community.”
The new guides will be able to help with practical matters such as using computers or telephones, helping with conversations and group situations, and give advice on keeping safe while out walking and using red and white canes.
They will also help with everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea or using the microwave.
Cumbria County Councillor James Airey, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is a great service that the county council has helped set up and fund.
“Many of the difficulties that people with dual sensory loss live with what the rest of us take for granted without a moment’s thought.
“There is a need for people who are deaf-blind, and have profound communication difficulties, to have regular support to maintain their independence and help them continue to contribute to family and community life and deal with the considerable challenges of living with dual sensory loss.”
Mr Airey said the guides could also help carers and family members who may already be helping a person with dual sensory loss.
“The guides are a link between the person who is deaf-blind and the community, minimising isolation and teaching the skills required for ongoing independence,” he added.
For more details on communicator guides, contact Dee Taylor on 01229 894645 or Simon Crabbe on 01228 606766 or visit Deaf Vision: