Sense Ability Matters

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are in full swing, and Team GB is putting on an incredible performance. Great Britain is currently second on the medal count! A special shout out to the incredible talent from the Northeast of England, who have gotten to share their talent and athleticism on the world stage. We’re also cheering on the amazing Rose Ayling-Ellis, who is making history as she is the first deaf person to host live sports coverage on TV. Her journey continues to inspire us all! ?? Image description: Woman standing on a street in Paris with flares of blue and red lights outlining her. Image credit: Channel 4 website

Today is the final day to RSVP for our welcome event at our new building! Join us this THURSDAY 12th September, 2 - 4pm at our new building, 34-36 New Green St, South Shields NE33 5DL Spaces are filling up so please RSVP by emailing us: [email protected] A huge thank you to the local ASDA for donating the pastries that will be served at the event We look forward to seeing you there. ?? Image description: White background with "Have you RSVP'd for our welcome event" written with photo of the Sense Ability Matters team all wearing black shirts.

We're committed to addressing the social determinants of health, working collaboratively to ensure the right support is provided for every individials needs. We know that people with disabilities are more likely to face mental health challenges, which is why our work goes beyond just vision and hearing support. We’re here to connect those who need it most, creating connections that combat isolation and bring people together. As one of our members shared: “When I first considered going along to a social group, I thought, ‘I’m not going to like this.’ I was so isolated... But the team from SAM helped me get there, and something clicked - I really enjoyed it. Getting together at groups like the Men Shed is fantastic. We have something in common which bonds us, and we’re able to open up in a way that we can’t even with close family members. Over the years I’ve come to realise just how important mental health is, and these groups really help - it gives you purpose, and makes you feel part of something.” We’re proud to be expanding our efforts to help more people in South Tyneside, providing not just eye care but also a sense of community and purpose. If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, we’re here to help. #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthMatters #SenseAbilityMatters ?? Image Description: Three men in a group therapy session

Back to school season is here! From new uniforms to shiny shoes, getting everything ready for the new school year is a big task. Did you add your child's eye test to your back-to-school list? Your child’s vision is so important for their success. The Association of Optometrists recommend children have a sight test around the age of three, so that conditions are picked up and treated early. Don't forget to book an eye check-up to give them the strongest start to the school year! #BackToSchool #HealthyVision #StrongStart #SenseAbilityMatters ?? Image description: Young girl getting an eye exam

Are you joining us at our welcome event? You can check out our new signage while you're here! Don't forget to RSVP to our welcome event on 12th September, 2 - 4pm at our new building, 34-36 New Green St, South Shields NE33 5DL Spaces are filling up so please RSVP by emailing us: [email protected] See you there! ?? Image description: Three images showing the new Sense Ability Matters signage.

Everyone at SAM is wishing all Paralympians good luck at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. We are are excited to see all of #teamgb, but particularly proud to see the representation from those in the North East, including Anna Nicholson (shotput), Lyndon Longhorne (swim), Terry Bywater (wheelchair basketball) and Jack Smith (wheelchair rugby). Who are you excited to see? The games begin tomorrow, 28 August! ?? Image description: Woman in wheelchair staring at the camera with a badminton racket next to her.

Join us for our Movement Matters sessions! These sessions are designed to get you active and feeling great by supporting your physical and mental wellbeing. Participants will enjoy seated exercises, with the possibility of further activities. The sessions are delivered by specially-trained professional instructors in a group setting. Sessions are available in South Shields and Gateshead, and are for anyone with a long-term health condition, including sight and hearing loss. Movement Matters sessions are delivered by Active Families North East, thanks to funding from the Sport England Movement Fund (provided by the @NationalLottery). If you’re interesting in taking part, or you know someone who might like to, please contact us or make a referral. More information is on our website. #movementmatters #senseabilitymatters #southshieldssupport

Are you an unpaid, adult carer? Have you heard of Connected Caring? Connected Caring South Tyneside supports unpaid adult carers in our community. This new service is run as a partnership between our team at Sense Ability Matters, Age Concern South Tyneside (ACTS), and Your Voice Counts, with funding from South Tyneside Council. They offer solutions and support, giving you choice, control, and independence. If you would like to hear more about Connected Caring, please don't hesitate to contact our team. #connectedcaring #unpaidcarers #adultcarers ?? Image description: Man and woman sitting down laughing with the Connected Caring and Sense Ability Matters logos over the top of the image.

We would love to show you our new offices with a welcome event on 12th September, 2 - 4pm in the former BLISS=Ability building, 34-36 New Green St, South Shields NE33 5DL The Mayor will be present to share some words of support. Space will be limited so we ask that you please RSVP by emailing us: [email protected] We are so thrilled for this next chapter and are so grateful for your support. See you there! ?? Image description: Purple background with "Join us at our welcome event, 12th September, 1-3PM" written with photo of the Sense Ability Matters team all wearing black shirts.

Thank you ScrewFix Foundation! We are thrilled to announce we won the ScrewFix Foundation grant of ￡5,000 towards the improvements in our new building. With this money, we are now able to create a fresh and inviting space for our community. #screwfixfoundation #senseabilitymatters ?? Image description: Dark blue background with white border with the ScrewFix Foundation logo in the middle and Sense Ability Matters logo on the bottom. On top of the ScrewFix logo there is white text saying Thank You!