PEOPLE with a sight impairment or sensory loss can find out about the services that are available to support them at a free drop-in event next week.
The community launch of the new Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland (LLR) Sensory Services on Thursday (30 July) will be an opportunity for people of all ages to meet the team who are delivering the services previously provided by local sight loss charity Vista.
Taking place at City Hall in Leicester, the event will feature interactive stalls, showcasing specialist equipment – including the new Ray-Ban Meta Glasses – and assistive technology that can support independent living.
There will also be practical demonstrations and activities designed to increase understanding of sight impairments and deafblindness, while specialist staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
Activities specifically for children will run between 11am and 1pm, with free refreshments available throughout the day.
Friends, families and carers of those with sight impairment or sensory loss, as well as professionals working in the field, are all welcome to attend.
Assistant city mayor for adult social care Cllr Mohammed Dawood said: “People who relied on Vista’s support were naturally concerned, when it was announced earlier this year that the charity would not be able to continue to run its services.
“I’m pleased to be able to reassure people that those services are still available to them – they are just being delivered by another provider.
“LLR Sensory Services is the new name for the team that supports people with sight impairments or sensory loss in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
“This community launch is a great opportunity to meet the team who are now providing the services – and to find out more about the support that’s available.”
Councillor Michael Squires, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Sensory impairment can make day-to-day tasks more challenging so it’s great news that this vital support is continuing.
“Our goal is for Leicestershire residents to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives and I’m pleased we’ve been able to get this important new service up and running so quickly.
“With practical demonstrations and the chance to try out clever kit, I’d urge people to come along and find out more about the support available.”
Earlier this year, Vista officially transferred its local authority-funded services – including the Visual Impairment Enablement Service (VIES), Deafblind Day Opportunities Service and other sensory impairment services – to BID Services, ensuring that care provision could continue without interruption.
BID Services – a registered charity – provides LLR Sensory Services, which is jointly commissioned by local authority and health partners across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
Gail Penberthy, CEO, BID Services, said: “We are excited to be launching this new chapter of support for people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and look forward to meeting members of the community at our LLR Sensory Services launch event.
“Vista has built an incredible legacy of supporting people with sight impairments, and we are committed to working closely with local residents, staff teams and council partners to ensure that this vital work continues to thrive.
“As a specialist organisation supporting people with sensory impairments, BID Services brings extensive expertise and experience, and we are proud to extend that support to the LLR community. We encourage people to come along, meet the team, learn more about the services available and help us shape the future of sensory support together.”
The LLR Sensory Services community launch takes place at City Hall, 115 Charles Street, LE1 1FZ, on Thursday 30 July. The free, drop-in event runs from 10am – 3pm.