From today (15 October), Sense and the RNIB will be working together to deliver a telephone and email-based information and advice service.
The Sense Information and Advice Service will help individuals and families to find the right support, offering free and impartial information about living with complex disabilities, including deafblindness. It will be provided by professionals via RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service, which already offers emotional support and practical advice to blind and partially sighted people and their families online, over the phone and in eye clinics.
Richard Kramer, chief executive at Sense, said: “RNIB have extensive experience in providing information and advice of the highest standard, and it was clear from the outset of our discussions that they share our values. We’re excited to collaborate with them on a move that strengthens the support we are able to provide to families and people living with complex disabilities.”
Jamie Dormandy, head of customer service and advice at the RNIB, said: “We are excited to be working collaboratively with Sense to bolster its existing support, using RNIB’s experience and ability in providing high quality advice and guidance to customers.”
“This partnership will drive efficiencies in both charities’ services ensuring timely and easy access to relevant support. This is even more relevant at a time when many public services have been impacted by coronavirus and our charities are experiencing an increase in demand for advice.”
The new service will offer information on a range of issues, including:
· Non-clinical advice on specific conditions that can cause a person to be deafblind, including Usher syndrome, CHARGE syndrome and congenital rubella syndrome
· Deafblind Guidance Assessments and the Care Act
· Advice on and/or signposting to: social care support; technology support; welfare benefits and grant support; employment and access to work; housing support; emotional support, wellbeing and counselling services; local and national charities and commercial organisations; local arts, sports and social clubs
· Referral to Sense’s range of operational services for individuals living with complex disabilities, including deafblindness
This is the second collaboration between Sense and the RNIB in as many months, following the transfer of the RNIB’s education and day service provision in Loughborough to Sense in September. Both organisations have worked closely together to ensure a smooth transition for students and colleagues.
To access the Sense Information and Advice Service, call 0300 330 9256 or email info@sense.org.uk. The RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service can be reached on 0303 123 9999.