ECL: Sensory Service

ECL Sensory Service

 Our dedicated team of sensory specialists deliver services across Essex. Our aim is to ensure that people can access the correct support, information, and advice at the right time, in the right place and in the right way. We are here to help you at any stage in your sight and/or hearing loss journey, however we know that early support will help you to learn and develop the right skills to ensure that you are able to continue to live the life you want.

Working in partnership with local and national organisations, we deliver high quality services that are focused on early intervention and maximising independence for people living with sensory impairments (visual, hard of hearing / deaf or dual sensory impairment).

With a number of our ECL Sensory team living with a sensory impairment, our services are unique and provide person-centred support.

 We offer customer focussed services commissioned by Essex County Council, as well as private services. Our private services include our One-to-One Sensory Support Worker service, our Sensory Awareness Training, access audits and our Sensory Action Alliance.

Sensory Rehabilitation Support

Our person-centred approach focuses on the individual. We get to know you and your support needs through meaningful conversation, not by following a script or checklist. Our team dedicate as much time as necessary to support you with your enquiry.

 Our rehabilitation service sensory coordination team can support with:

• Sight and hearing impairment worries or questions
• Finding out what support is available for you.
• Certificate of Visual Impairment follow up calls and enquiries.
• Registration of sight, hearing and dual sensory impairments.
• Requesting white cane, mobility or kitchen skills training.
• Information about sensory equipment.
• What to do if your sensory equipment breaks.
• How to refer into the team for a sensory assessment in your home.
• Information on local and national voluntary organisations, how they can help and direct referrals to them.
• Information on social care support available and how to make a referral.
• Information regarding one-to-one support services.
• Sensory Awareness Training information.
• Information for professionals including health and social care.
• Equipment for your home to increase accessibility.

 If you are referred into our service, we will offer you a face-to-face home visit where we can discuss your needs with you and provide you with appropriate advice, support, and equipment.

 Our visit could take as little as one hour or may be several visits, at a pace that suits you. We will support any communication needs you may have and ensure you are in control of the discussion and outcomes throughout.

 For more information visit us here: https://www.ecl.org/sensory/sensory-support-for-individuals

 One-to-One Support (Communicator Guides and Sighted Guides)

 Our One-to-One Support provides personalised, practical help for adults who want to build confidence, stay independent, and stay connected to their community. Support is shaped around individual goals and delivered by trained, friendly guides who work alongside each person at their own pace.

 What the service offers:

• Support to access the community, including walks, gym sessions, swimming, coffee mornings, social groups, and other meaningful activities.
• Help with everyday tasks such as correspondence, organising at home, food shopping, and meal preparation.
• Assistance to attend health appointments, including support during consultations and advocacy where needed.
• Flexible options: regular weekly or fortnightly sessions, or ad hoc support for one off events, trips, Christmas shopping, or special occasions.

 Who the service is for:

Adults with sensory needs who would benefit from one-to-one support to increase independence, confidence, and community involvement.

 How the service works:

Support is tailored to each person’s goals and preferences. Sessions can take place at home or out in the community, depending on what the individual wants to achieve. The focus is always on choice, control, and building skills that make everyday life easier.

 About the team:

Our guides are trained, experienced, and passionate about helping people live independently. They offer steady, friendly support that encourages independence and helps customers work towards their personal goals.

 For more information visit us here: https://www.ecl.org/sensory/specialist-one-to-one-support

Sensory Training

Our training courses provide help for individuals and organisations to better meet the needs of people with sight and/or hearing loss.

 Sensory Champion Training (CPD Accredited)

Our Sensory Champion Training course offers practical insights into sight and hearing loss, helping you understand the challenges faced by individuals with sight and/or hearing loss.

 Tailored Sensory Awareness Training

Our Tailored Sensory Awareness Training is a bespoke course designed to meet the specific needs and priorities of your organisation.

Based on our established Sensory Champion Training course, this course is fully customised to ensure the content is relevant, practical, and aligned with your business and working environment.

For more information visit us here:  https://www.ecl.org/sensory/sensory-training

 Sensory Action Alliance

 ECL’s Sensory Action Alliance is supporting businesses and organisations to become more accessible to customers with sensory impairments, by asking them to pledge to make two impactful changes to improve accessibility.

 More details and a list of members and their pledges can be found here: https://www.ecl.org/sensory/sensory-action-alliance

ECL Sensory Service is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Email: sensoryservices@essexcares.org

Call: 03330 133 262

Text: 07921 397 547

www.ecl.org/sensory