A survey is being carried out to find out more about the support on offer to people who have a sensory impairment and live in Bath and North East Somerset.
deafPLUS visionPLUS BaNES are working with the B&NES council to conduct a survey on the emotional wellbeing of people with sensory impairments.
Typically, one in four people will experience mental ill health, with individuals with a sensory impairment being up to four times more likely to develop anxiety and depression.
However, accessing support is more difficult for this group, with GPs and mental health experts often lacking the necessary skills, such as British Sign Language, to effectively communicate.
Often, healthcare professionals lack a true understanding of the problems faced by such individuals.
Mental health services are being underused by those with sensory impairments, despite them being more likely to need them. As a result, emotional and mental ill health is less likely to be attended to.
The survey aims to enable those with a sensory impairment to have their say.
All information will be completely anonymous and used directly to inform B&NES council about the detrimental effect that sensory loss can have on an individual’s emotional wellbeing.
deafPLUS visionPLUS BaNES hope to see changes in local services as a result of this.
In addition, they are also offering free workshops across BaNES for those with various sensory impairments in order to open up a discussion about emotional health, and signpost people to services that are currently available.
These offer a safe space to talk about what emotional wellbeing is, how to recognise if you are struggling, and how to cope, as well as providing information on helpful services. These will be led by Angie Williams, a local counsellor.
In order to fill in our survey, click here or contact David Melling on [email protected] or Kim Guest on 07815446261 to request a paper copy of the survey (these can be produced and sent out in a format of your request).
The two hour workshops will take place at the following venues:
- 7th September, Chew Stoke Church Hall at 1pm;
- 14th September, Keynsham Community Space at 2pm;
- 23rd September, Aix en Provence Room, Guildhall, Bath at 2pm.
All spaces have wheelchair access and induction loops.
