Experts on hand to promote awareness of sensory issues

Councillor Billy Sheerin, assistant cabinet member for adult care, at the Sensory Awareness Day

Experts were on hand to answer questions about how  to access a range of sensory services at an event to promote awareness of sensory issues held at Number One Riverside.

The event included carers’ assessments, free hearing screenings, displays from guide dogs, free sensory equipment and a range of specialist help and advice.

There were stalls with information from Action for Blind, Libraries, Blind Veterans, Action on Hearing Loss, NHS Audiology Team, Deafblind UK, NHS Eye clinic liaison officer, Guide Dogs, Possibilities and the community learning disabilities team.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, cabinet member for adult care, attended, as did his assistant Councillor Billy Sheerin, and deputy leader Councillor Daalat Ali.

Tracey Little, team leader in Rochdale Borough Council adult services, said: “It was a successful and well attended which underlined our commitment to delivering a sensory awareness service to be proud of.

"Many thanks to our partners for the information, help and advice they provided to people. It was great to see such a range of organisations in attendance.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, cabinet member for adult care, said: “We are committed to providing a comprehensive sensory service that ensures people can access a range of free services. These include a braille class, sign language support group, book club and much more. The event showed adult care at its best, working with partners to deliver a sensory service to be proud of.”