Woman Praises Charity’s Life-changing Work After Suffering From Isolation.

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A 69-year-old woman from Lossiemouth has praised North East Sensory Services (NESS) for helping her regain control of her life after being diagnosed with macular degeneration, a common eye condition that affects central vision.

Jan Harrison, a former learning coordinator for disabled adults, found her deteriorating eyesight significantly impacting her daily life. After contacting NESS in summer 2023, she received intensive support, including counseling and assistance with a housing application.

NESS supports thousands of individuals with sensory impairments across the northeast. The charity’s primary objective is to enable people with sensory loss to live independently.

Jan said:

“Part of my employment contract required me to be able to drive over a large area to meet with clients. It was becoming obvious that it was no longer safe for me to do so.

“My mobility was also becoming much reduced, which also meant that I was no longer able to do some of my past hobbies, such as photography, jewellery making, and fine crafts.

“I felt like so many things were being ‘taken’ from me, and I wasn’t coping very well with it. I phoned NESS to discuss what might be available to me.

“The person I spoke with could hear how panicky I was becoming and asked if I would like to be referred to a counsellor at RNIB Scotland.

“Over eight weeks of counselling, I was able to start to deal with issues that had been leading me to become more and more isolated.”

Staff at NESS helped to register Jan as sight impaired, as well as supporting her in making an application for more suitable housing that met her needs.

She was also able to apply for Attendance Allowance to help her financially and was referred to a physiotherapist to help with her mobility issues, improving her balance and confidence.

Her key worker at the charity also arranged an assessment by an occupational therapist who provided Jan with aids to make her home safer and applied to the council’s befriender service.

Jan continued:

“My NESS worker treated me as a valuable person who has many skills that can still be used to overcome any barriers I may face.

“I was assured that what I was feeling was valid and that life would look very different but can still be rewarding and enjoyable.

“The support I received was quite intense for a few months but came at the right time and in the right way for me. I have been able to determine what goals I wanted to set and when, with support from the NESS social worker.

“I’ve been able to shed tears of frustration and be listened to. I have received encouragement and praise too.

“I have been able to contemplate joining groups in my area, both for peer support for me and to volunteer with. I am now retired, and it is time to put much of this into practice.

“If, like me, you have felt you have been doing this on your own, or are ready to move forward in dealing with this way of living that may feel so different to what you have known before, may I recommend you get in touch with your nearest NESS office and start with a chat with their lovely staff?

“I am not going to say that it isn’t still difficult at times, but I feel like I am no longer alone, and many of my practical needs are now sorted.”

Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said:

“It is really heartwarming to hear what a positive experience Jan had after she decided to contact us for help, and we are delighted that she is doing so well.

“Suddenly encountering issues with your eyesight is a difficult and frightening thing for anybody to go through, and without the right help, the risk of isolation and worry can increase considerably.

“Whether it is helping with an application for more suitable housing, arranging health appointments, or just being there to listen, our experienced staff can do it.

“We would urge anyone going through the same thing as Jan to get in touch with NESS, and we will do everything we can to make life more manageable and ensure you keep your independence.”

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