Sense forums
How to get involved

Sense Forums offer deafblind people the chance to meet up regularly in their local area. They are open to any deafblind person who would like to join – perhaps sitting in on a meeting first to see if it is a group they would like to be part of.  

A small number of forums are just for people who use a Sense service. Other forums are for people who have been deafblind all their lives or for people who have lost their sight and hearing later in life. All the forums meet about four times a year.

What you can expect from your local Sense forum
-•	To be able to tell Sense what you want
-•	To have your say about what Sense should do
-•	Information about Sense and other services
-•	Practical tips about technology and equipment
-•	The chance to meet other people who have had similar experiences to you
-•	To make friends and have fun

Forum members have enjoyed many different activities together 
For example: 
-•	The East Anglia forum visited a rose garden. – They loved the sensory experience of smelling the flowers
-•	The Birmingham and Malvern group met the Sense Trustees and Chief Executive
-•	The Lincolnshire forum went to an agricultural centre for a guided tour
-•	The Leicestershire forum had fun with a ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ quiz and a poetry performance
-•	The new Nottingham forum tried out personal hearing loops for the first time

Playing your part in a Sense forum
Every person at the forum is respected and valued for what they can offer. There are so many ways that you can play a part in your forum, and Sense can support you to do what’s right for you. 

You could:
-•	Come along, listen to other people and share your own stories.
-•	Tell Sense staff or a volunteer when you have an idea for a forum activity.
-•	Chair a forum meeting.
-•	Help to organise a fundraising activity.
-•	Let Sense staff or a volunteer know what you like about the forum, or if there is anything about the forum that is difficult or not enjoyable.
-•	Organise a forum activity or give a talk about a topic of interest to you and your group.
-•	Keep in touch with people in between forums.
-•	Work with other local organisations to raise awareness of deafblindness.
-•	Tell other people about the forum – by chatting to your friends and family, or writing to your local newspaper, or appearing on local radio.
-•	Get in touch with forum members in other parts of Britain. Find out what they’re doing and tell them about your own forum.

There is no pressure for you do more than you want. We will offer you opportunities and support for you to play your part.
How to get involved 

Local
You can contact the Information & Advice Team and ask about forums where you live. They will put you in touch with a local Sense worker to find out more.

Information & Advice Team
Email: info@sense.org.uk
Tel: 0845 127 0066 or 020 7520 0972

National
Would you like to know more about what’s happening in forums across the UK?
 
Contact the Projects and Engagement Officer for more information.
Tel/Text: 0121 415 2720


“The forum has made a difference to me because I can meet other people of a similar age who are in the same boat. I get out and make friends and also we learn a lot from each other.”