Vital support for those with sensory loss

Jacquie Winning MBE, 55, from Falkirk is manager of the Forth Valley Sensory Centre and her work with people with sensory loss has been more important than ever during the pandemic.

“Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone, but more so for people with sensory loss,” she explains. “Those with hearing loss are facing extra challenges due to face masks and social distancing interfering with their ability to lip read. There are also significant challenges facing people with sight loss in maintaining physical distancing while undertaking essential trips out.

“I identified these challenges and provided support with Braille copies of essential Covid-19 information for people with sight loss, a telephone, text and email befriending service to support those who were isolated as a result of lockdown. As well as podcasts providing the most up-to-date Covid-19 information for people with sight loss.”

Jacquie’s dedicated and hard-working team are also supporting people living with sensory loss so they can pay their bills remotely.

She shares the recognition her MBE gives with the rest of her team. “This award recognises the achievements of everyone at the Sensory Centre in what has been an exceptionally challenging year,” says Jacquie.

“Thanks go to the dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to adapt by our team, volunteers and partners, and the tremendous support of our board of directors. Together we have been able to continue to provide essential services for our vision and hearing-impaired centre users, who continue to be some of the most vulnerable and hardest hit by the pandemic. I am privileged to work with such an inspiring group of people.”