Sense services in Northern Ireland
Sense has been supporting people with deafblindness and complex disabilities in Northern Ireland since 1990.
That gives us over 30 years’ experience working with disabled people to communicate, make their own choices and live life to the full.
These are all the ways we support people in Northern Ireland today.
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.
“It was difficult to leave our only daughter Ruby in a nursery, even though we knew that the staff were experienced. With the skills, patience and dedication of the staff, Sense has helped Ruby to be a happier, stronger and more able child. The service provided by Sense and the wonderful staff at Jordanstown is simply invaluable to us as a family.”
Lisa, Ruby’s mum
Get in touch with us to find out more.
Specialist support for children with complex disabilities
Sense Nursery in Newtownabbey is a specialist service for children with complex disabilities 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 offer expert advice, signposting and support for parents trying to navigate the education and healthcare systems.
We also offer assessments, one-to-one specialist play sessions and support groups.
Find out more about our family support service in Northern Ireland.
Outreach services
We offer support to people with sensory impairments and other 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.
To find out more, please get in touch.
Day services
Our centre in Carrickfergus offers a range of activities for adults with sensory impairments and/or 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! Get in touch with us to find out more.
Community support
We offer personal, one-to-one support for people with multi-sensory impairment and/or complex disabilities.
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.
Get in touch with Sense NI to find out more.
Sense NI Short Breaks
Our Short Breaks service is based at our Family Centre in Newtownabbey. This residential service offers overnight support for people with complex disabilities. 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.