An Aberdeen charity working with young people affected by hearing and sight loss has been given a four-figure boost by the Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation.
North East Sensory Services (NESS) has been awarded £3,400 by the world-leading asset manager to support its Young Peoples’ Sensory Service (YPSS), which for the past eight years has supported children and young people aged up to 19 in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
One in five people in the UK will suffer the effects of sight loss in their lifetime, while one in seven will be affected by hearing loss. NESS’ work across the north east of Scotland ensures that those with sensory loss have the support they require.
Currently working with 162 children and young people – and their families – across the north east of Scotland in its YPSS programme, NESS is the only charity in Scotland offering a tailored service for such a young age group, including support groups for parents of babies with sensory loss, workplace guidance for teenagers and fun activities that allow young people to gain new life experiences.
Many children supported by NESS have additional learning difficulties, physical disabilities or other complex needs, and the Young Peoples’ Sensory Service allows them access to support in both individual and group settings. The flexible programme can help participants learn social skills, build confidence, form lasting relationships, be active and have fun in a safe environment.
The charity supports young people throughout their developmental years, from school right through to support in gaining further education and employability skills.
Michelle Herd, trusts and foundations officer at North East Sensory Services, says, “Dealing with the loss of sight or hearing can be a challenging experience for young people. We work with children and young people throughout their developmental years, from navigating school to providing support in gaining further education and employability skills. We also work with young people and their families to help overcome any struggles they may be having.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation’s grant, which will ensure we are able to provide these services for even more children and young people in the North-east of Scotland.”
NESS supports around 6,500 visually and hearing-impaired people of all ages, their families and carers across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus and Dundee. By providing a range of vital services, the charity helps people lead more independent lives and overcome the hurdles caused by their conditions.
Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments, adds, “The loss of a sense is something many of us could not comprehend, however thousands of people across the country live with this every day. Young people can be hit hardest by the challenges associated with losing their sight or hearing, so it is so important that support is there for them.
“The work undertaken by North East Sensory Services in the north east of Scotland is vital for those who require assistance in coming to terms with the loss of their sight or hearing, and we are pleased to be able to support its inspirational work with young people in the area.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. For more information click here.
For more information about North East Sensory Services, visit www.nesensoryservices.org
