Sense has supported a wide range of events for deafblind people and their families this year.As a result of this many new friendships have been formed and individuals with personal issues have been helped by being able to discuss them with their peers and listen to other peoples’ experiences.
Over the last year we have organised more leisure activities, including Saturday Clubs, holidays and family days, than ever before.
These activities make a real difference to people’s lives, to their sense of well-being – people learn, gain confidence and develop new skills. They are able to relax, get out of the house, meet new people and develop friendships. Deafblind people and their families get a break from their daily responsibilities and stresses – for many the most significant break they get. People give and receive support, feel listened to and have a sense of belonging.
Sense also supports families, giving them a voice and enabling them to share information and offer vital support to each other. Our membership scheme has 1,521 members, and we support 14 branches, Family Network events and a range of other groups across the country.
Last year Sense was able to offer 29 friendly, accessible and stimulating holidays to 148 deafblind people. This also enabled carers to have a much-needed break.
We were only able to make these happen because of the support of volunteers. In 2006/2007, 143 individuals volunteered for a Sense holiday and donated over 16,000 hours of time:
"I developed new skills, or found I had skills that I didn’t realise". What 79 per cent of volunteers said.
Sense holidays make a difference
Sense holidays make a significant difference to the holidaymakers who enjoy them, the parents/carers who get a break from their responsibilities and the volunteers whose time and commitment are vital to making them happen.
Holidaymakers meet new people and enjoy old friendships. They enjoy a range of new experiences and opportunities, building their confidence, skills and their own self-identity:
"I came home very happy; I had a really great time. It was great to be independent … and have a break from my family and normal routine."
"[Our daughter] seems more grown up since she has been home [from the holiday]."
Parents and carers enjoy the break from their caring responsibilities, knowing they can trust the support provided by Sense. For many it is the most significant break from caring they get. They have told us about many benefits:
- Emotional – ability to cope, shifting focus, lack of responsibility and stress, time with other family members
- Practical – extra work, cleaning, shopping etc
- Perceptions – seeing their child as capable, independent, and able to enjoy themselves
"[We realised] that our son was still capable of being happy and enjoying himself. Thank you so much. We've been at breaking point this summer. Without the holiday, life would have been intolerable."
Volunteers feel like they have made a valuable contribution, they have developed significant friendships through Sense, and they have developed skills and attitudes that benefit the rest of their lives.
"Sense holidays always give you a confidence boost - they make you see just what you are capable of."
"The biggest impact was making a very practical contribution and discovering how valuable the most tiny forms of communications through touch and warmth can be."
Sense has produced a presentation presentation (powerpoint, 735kb) about the impact of Sense holidays on deafblind people and thier families.
