Sense services in Northern Ireland
Sense has been supporting disabled people with complex needs in Northern Ireland since 1990.
We are a leading disability charity. We offer personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people at every stage of life.
These are all the ways we support people in Northern Ireland today.
Sense Hub Belfast
Sense Hub Belfast is a place for disabled people with complex needs to try new things and gain confidence. It hosts activities, music sessions and performances, community events and much more.
“I feel like this hub is going to mean that there’s always somewhere for us to come to as a family. It’s always a safe space, where we feel like we belong.”
Lauren, Isla’s mum
Supported living and residential care
Our residential care provides round-the-clock support that’s tailored to you.
Supported living is for people who still need support, but want to live more independently. In Sense Supported Living facilities, you’ll be the tenant and have responsibility for things like bills.
We currently offer our residential care and supported living services in County Antrim.
Specialist support for children with complex needs
“With the skills, patience and dedication of the staff, Sense has helped Ruby to be a happier, stronger and more able child.
Lisa, Ruby’s mum
The service provided by Sense and the wonderful staff at Jordanstown is simply invaluable to us as a family.”
Our sessions at Sense Hub Belfast support children under 12 with sensory impairments and additional needs. We offer a wide range of opportunities for children to try new things, develop skills, and make friends.
Sense Nursery in Newtownabbey is a specialist service for children with complex needs under the age of four. We support children to reach their development goals with a range of early intervention programmes.
In partnership with Jordanstown School, we also run PlaySense, giving disabled children up to the age of 12 a chance to try new activities in a safe and stimulating environment. PlaySense sessions take place after school and during holiday periods.
Family support service
Our family support service is available across Northern Ireland, for children under 12 with sensory impairments and additional needs.
We support children who:
- Are deafblind or have multi-sensory impairments.
- Have medical conditions that may affect their sight and hearing over time.
- Have sensory impairments alongside learning, physical or other additional needs.
- Have multiple disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
How we support families:
Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland has a dedicated Family Support Worker. Referrals can be made by parents or carers, professionals, or other charities.
We offer tailored support, including:
- Information and advice about your child’s condition and available support.
- Help identifying benefits, grants and financial support.
- Signposting to relevant organisations and services.
- Opportunities to connect with other parents, carers and families.
- One-to-one support for newcomer and refugee families.
- Events, activities and workshops for children and their families.
We also provide expert guidance to help families navigate education and healthcare systems, alongside assessments, specialist one-to-one play sessions and support groups.
All support is tailored to your child’s and family’s individual needs.
Outreach services
We offer support to people with sensory impairments and additional needs across the Western Trust.
This might include:
- Expert information and advice.
- One-to-one support.
- Access to group activities.
- Signposting to other specialist services.
- Access to peer support.
- Early intervention for children under four.
We also offer training to professionals and services working with people with sensory impairments.
You can be referred to this service by a professional, or you can refer yourself.
Adult services
We offer a range of structured activities for adults and young people. All services are designed to support confidence, independence and connection.
Transition groups
Our transition groups support disabled young people aged 14–35 with complex needs as they move towards adulthood. Young people are placed in an age-appropriate group, and can take part in activities such as:
- Team building and social sessions.
- Art and music therapy.
- Community trips and cultural experiences.
- Cooking and independent living skills.
- Transport training and basic finance skills.
These groups help young people build confidence and independence at their own pace, developing skills such as self-care, money management and budgeting.
Support in Belfast
Our registered day services are open and accepting referrals for disabled adults aged 18+ with complex needs, operating Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm at Sense Hub Belfast.
We also offer day opportunities for disabled young people aged 14–23 in Belfast, providing a range of different supported community-based activities. These currently run on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4pm–9pm.
If you’d like to learn more about these services or want to book a tour to see the Hub for yourself, we’d be happy to help. Contact Sense Hub Belfast to find out more.
Support in Carrickfergus
Our centre in Carrickfergus offers a range of activities for disabled adults with complex needs.
Some of our regular educational sessions include:
- Arts and crafts
- Technology
- Sensory story-telling
- Life skills
- Literacy and numeracy
We also support people to access opportunities in the community, from going swimming to taking a college course. Contact our centre in Carrickfergus to find out more.
Community support
We offer personal, one-to-one support for disabled people with complex needs.
The exact support you’ll get depends on you and your needs. We make a unique plan for each person we support.
We might be able to:
- Give you practical help with day-to-day tasks like shopping.
- Help you to access your local community.
- Facilitate a social club to help you meet new friends.
Sense NI Short Breaks
Our short breaks service is based at our Family Centre in Newtownabbey. This residential service offers overnight support for disabled people with complex needs. They get a chance to relax and have fun, while carers also take a much-needed break.
We can offer this service on a regular basis, or at particular times when your family needs extra support.
Contact the Sense Family Centre in Newtownabbey to find out more.
Would you like support from Sense NI?
If you’re interested in any of the services listed here, or want to talk about how we can help you, please contact us.