Public Health Minister, Michael Matheson MSP joined staff, volunteers and service users to celebrate a Borders based joint sensory project. 

BLISS - Borders Local Integrated Sensory Service - run by Action on Hearing Loss Scotland and RNIB Scotland provides support to people with hearing loss and sight loss throughout the region. The Minister got the chance to see some of the work done by BLISS and to find out how it has made a difference to the lives of local people.

Looking forward

RNIB Scotland’s ‘Looking Forward’ programme works with people who are newly registered as blind or partially sighted to adjust to life with sight loss and inform them of what services are available.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s ‘Hear to Help’ project offers hearing aid users frontline maintenance and support. Both organisations have held information days, coffee events, one-to-one meetings and the Action Bus that has travelled throughout the Borders has led to the team reaching out to hundreds of people. Staff and volunteers have created a strong bond with many of the service users which has seen them use the joint service time and time again.

Local service for local people

Delia Henry, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland said “Working jointly with RNIB Scotland in the Borders as well as other partners in health and social work has allowed the BLISS project to offer a local service for local people. It is wonderful that the Minister is visiting the Borders to meet people and see what has been achieved. 

“The joint sensory project offers the practical support that means that hearing aid users are able to communicate better with family and friends and so overcome the sense of isolation faced by so many people with hearing loss.”

Joint sensory project

Speaking about the joint sensory project Public Health Minister, Michael Matheson MSP added,

“I am delighted to meet staff, volunteers and service users from Borders Local Integrated Sensory Service (BLISS). Both Action on Hearing Loss Scotland and RNIB Scotland have worked hard to ensure that BLISS has been a success.  This joint sensory project offers practical support and advice to people throughout the Borders. I am particularly impressed with is the project seeks to meet the needs of the individual user and so helps people feel less isolated and more part of their community. 
 
“The role played by volunteers has really helped to make this joint sensory project the success that it is.  BLISS is a great example of how volunteers can gain new skills and give something back to the community that helps to improve the lives of those around them.”

"A great way to extend integrated services"

John Legg, Director of RNIB Scotland said, "This has been a great opportunity to extend our integrated services at grassroots level across the Scottish Borders, alongside our partners in the local authorities, health board and voluntary sector.  We are helping people come to terms with losing their sight and going on to lead fulfilling lives.  We are also keen to support those with learning disabilities and other complex needs whose sight loss might have gone undiagnosed.  Our specialist team offers practical advice and help.

"We hope this joint sensory service project exemplifies efficiency and localism. And we very much welcome the new emphasis on prevention. "

For more information please contact:

Campaigns and Media Officer
Eileen Clarkson,
Tel: 0141 341 5330
Email: eileen.clarkson@hearingloss.org.uk