All Aboard the SHoW - Mobile Support for People with Sensory Loss

LJBrowne
Authored by LJBrowne
Posted Friday, September 13, 2019 - 12:16pm

There has been a significant rise in awareness of mental health, as we face increased social and economic pressures.  These pressures are often linked to a younger generation, with the older generation often forgotten in what factors impact their mental health.

Older people commonly experience sensory loss, deterioration of their vision or hearing and in some cases both, dual sensory loss.  Regardless of age, for those experiencing sensory loss, it can have mental health consequences, including depression, isolation and anxiety disorders. As more and more of us are living longer and beyond the national average, it is important to be made aware of sensory loss and what practical things we can do to ensure our mental wellbeing is not affected.  The See Hear Centre based in Barnstaple, aims to do just that, equip those affected by sensory loss with the practical support they need to avoid becoming depressed, isolated and lonely.

The See Hear centre has been providing equipment, information and support services for people with sensory loss for over sixteen years. Founded by local charity Living Options Devon, the Centre provides the opportunity to see and try out a range of tools and equipment that supports loss of hearing and/or sight.  The See Hear Centre also boasts the See Hear on Wheels, which allows the centre to be mobile, reaching out to those communities in rural north Devon.

“The See Hear on Wheels or SHoW is a van with a range of equipment to help with sight and hearing loss. We currently visit Bideford, South Molton, Hartland and Bradworthy in North Devon.  People don't need an appointment, they can just visit us, explain what they are having difficulty with and we will help them to find equipment that will help” says Jan of the See Hear Centre and SHoW.

Jan and Jenny who operate the See Hear Centre and the SHoW are incredibly knowledgeable about the equipment and aids to assist someone with sensory loss. For sight they always start by discussing lighting before moving on to other equipment which can include magnifiers, glare shields, talking equipment and use of technology. For hearing they ask people about their hearing aids, if they wear them, what problems they encounter. The most common problem is using the telephone, they can discuss techniques for best hearing the telephone and then try various telephones to see what suits the individual. There is also a range of television listening equipment, loops for more direct listening and alerting devices.

“We listen and if we don't have the answer, we will endeavour to find somebody that does. We are happy for people to borrow the equipment for a short time, to make absolutely sure it fits their requirements, we don't sell anything, but are happy to direct people to suppliers”. Jenny of the See Hear Centre and SHoW

If you or someone close to your suffers from or is at risk of suffering from sight and/or hearing loss, then please come and see us either at the See Hear Centre or aboard our SHoW. This Friday 13th September the SHoW is revving its engines and travelling down from Barnstaple to be available in Princesshay Square, Exeter from 10am until 4pm.  Jan will be on board to demonstrate the range of equipment and to provide support, advice and information for anyone experiencing sensory loss.  The SHoW will also be travelling to Chumleigh Pavilion car park on Thursday 26th September 2-5pm, drop in any time.   If you would like to visit the See Hear Centre, then you can drop in on a Tuesday from 9am-5pm or alternatively arrange an appointment with Jan and Jenny, contact Tel: 01271 373236, SMS 07831 515809 or email seehearnd@livingoptions.org. Follow us on Facebook @seehearnd to keep up to date on news and where the SHoW is travelling to next.

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