Practical and Emotional Support
If you live in Aberdeen City, Angus, Dundee City or Moray, we offer a service to people with serious sight and/or hearing loss, including deaf and blind people, on behalf of your local authority.
Our social work, rehabilitation and specialist support services can help you to remain independent when you are living with a sensory loss. Once you are referred to NESS, you will be allocated a specialist worker who will work with you to help you identify the best solutions for you to tackle the challenges you are facing. You will be offered the information, advice, specialist equipment, and practical assistance which can make everyday life just that little bit easier. It could include advice on claiming welfare benefits and other practical support you are entitled to but may not be aware of.
If you have a visual impairment, our rehabilitation workers can help you to re-learn mobility and day to day living skills, enabling you to be as independent as possible. We know that each person who has sight or hearing loss is unique, and we try to build what we can offer you around your preferences, needs and wants.
The Impact
We support those who were born blind or deaf, who have lost all their sight or hearing, who have developed serious vision or hearing problems or who are losing their sight and/or hearing. Our action can have a life-changing impact on their level of functioning, self-esteem, confidence and resilience.
Between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023 our evaluation data shows:
- 71% are looking after themselves more independently;
- 52% are less socially isolated;
- 87% have reduced some of the negative impacts of their sensory loss;
- 23% have increased their income to improve or maintain their lifestyle; and
- 52% have increased their participation in their community / society.
“The service has been fantastically helpful and a great support since this [sight loss] happened to me. I would never have been able to sort all of the things out that I have without the help from my social worker. She is lovely to talk to and always cheers me up when she calls.” Service User
Make a Referral
You can make a referral to access our services here.
Duty times
You can contact a Duty Worker at these times if you need immediate support with something. These are drop-in sessions, but we recommend that you contact NESS reception in the first instance.
Duty worker available at the following times and places:
Duty Worker in Aberdeen
Duty Worker in Aberdeen at 21 John Street, Aberdeen AB25 1BT – please make an appointment to come into the office
Duty Worker available Monday to Friday from 2pm – 4pm.
Telephone: 0345 271 2345
Text (SMS): 07593 102004
Email: aberdeenduty@nesensoryservices.org
BSL users can contact us via ContactScotland BSL
Duty worker in Dundee
A Duty worker is available for people living in Dundee – please make an appointment to come into the office at Number Ten, 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL.
Monday to Friday from 2pm – 4pm
Telephone: 01382 721455
Text (SMS): 07713711772
Email: dundeeduty@nesensoryservices.org
BSL users can contact us via ContactScotland BSL
Duty Worker in Moray
A Duty Worker is available for people living in Moray at Elizabeth House, Victoria Crescent, Elgin IV30 1RQ. Please make an appointment to come into the office.
Duty worker available on Tuesday from 10am – 12noon, and on Thursday from 2pm-4pm.
Tel: 0345 2712345
Text (SMS): 07968 013951
Email: morayduty@nesensoryservices.org
BSL users can contact us via ContactScotland BSL
Duty in Angus
A Duty worker is available in Angus, but there are no office-based appointments, but please get in touch
Duty worker available on Tuesday from 2pm-4pm and Thursday from 2pm-4pm
Tel: 0345 271 2345
SMS: 07593 102004
Email: angusduty@nesensoryservices.org
