Local deaf and blind charity receives £100k donation

A north-east charity has been awarded £100,000 funding donation by Barclays to support its work with blind and deaf people.

North East Sensory Services (NESS) will bring greater digital inclusion to sensory impaired people, particularly the elderly, in Aberdeen and Moray.

To meet the needs of communities as they emerge from the pandemic, Barclays is supporting NESS through its 100x100 Programme, as part of its wider £100m Covid-19 Community Aid Package.

To date, Barclays has partnered with more than 370 charities around the world, including 285 national and grassroots charities in the UK.

The support for NESS will enable the charity to continue to provide support and training in using accessible electronic devices to blind and deaf people to help keep them connected with friends and family.

This will also provide them with longer-term skills such as using the internet for banking and shopping.

NESS said the Covid pandemic has hit people with sensory impairments more than most, and that support in using devices like tablets could reduce isolation and loneliness – particularly in more elderly service users.

Graham Findlay, chief executive with North East Sensory Services, said:

“Those living with severe visual or hearing impairment, particularly the elderly, were already at a high risk of social isolation - but that’s been exacerbated by the pandemic.

“This generous funding from Barclays will allow us to continue to support vulnerable people in both Aberdeen and Moray to help them build friendships and stay in touch with loved ones.

“It will particularly help elderly people learn to use video calls and also increase their confidence when it comes to browsing, using email and accessing the internet for things like banking and shopping.

“All across the north-east there are thousands of people affected by sensory impairment, but with the right support they can take part in and contribute to society in the same way as anyone else.”

Koral Anderson, head of Barclays Scotland, said:

“With the long-term impacts of the crisis still being felt, Barclays continues to play a positive role in society.

“By working with charities like North East Sensory Services who best understand the needs of their communities in Scotland we can ensure help is getting right into the heart of society.

“We hope that by partnering with incredible local charities, we can continue to help people in need as they emerge from the crisis.”