North-east sensory support charity awarded contract to provide services
A north-east charity that supports deaf and blind people has been awarded a new contract to deliver life-changing services.
North East Sensory Services (NESS) was chosen by the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to continue providing a service for more than 2400 local residents.
The dual sensory impairment contract, which will last for up to five years, includes social work provision and rehabilitation for those with sensory loss.
This enables people to learn mobility skills so they can live independent lives.
NESS will also help deaf people and the hard of hearing with using new technology such as flashing doorbells, and provide lip-reading classes.
It will manage the city’s sight loss register on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.
Founded in 1879, NESS currently supports around 6500 people across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Aberdeen, Angus, Dundee.
In 2010, it changed its name from Grampian Society for the Blind to NESS.
The objective of NESS is to achieve a society in which people living with sensory loss are able to fully participate and contribute to the same level as those without.
The new service level agreement in Aberdeen follows an open tendering process, with the contract lasting for three years with a two-year extension option.
Chief executive of North East Sensory Services Graham Findlay said: “We’re very proud that our work over many years in Aberdeen has been recognised and we’ve been awarded a new contract to continue providing our vital services.
“This is testament to all the staff and volunteers at NESS who deliver life-changing support for thousands of people in the city.
“We look forward to maintaining our strong relationship with the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership in the years ahead.
“It is our goal to increase the independence of people who are blind or deaf, or have any form of sensory loss.
“Across Aberdeen and the north-east there are thousands of people affected by sensory impairment, but with the right support they can take part in and contribute to society in the same way as anyone else.”
Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership chief officer Sandra MacLeod said: “We are delighted to continue working with NESS for the benefit of our service users who rely on their superb services.
"NESS has been providing first-class services for the people of the north-east for very many years and we look forward to continuing our partnership under this new contract award.”
For more information on the services the charity provides across the north-east visit www.nesensoryservices.org
