Sense

Sense provides support and activities for disabled people with complex needs, including deafblind people.

Quick overview

Its services cover children, young people and adults, with information and resources also available for families, carers and support staff.

Arts activities include art, music and dance, with virtual sessions and guides for activities at home.
Sports activities include sensory walks, rock climbing and badminton, alongside resources and training.
Adult services include daytime activities, residential care, supported living and community support.
Short breaks include days out, holiday clubs, weekend clubs and one-to-one support; services vary by location.
The website offers an area search, an online enquiry form and information about communication methods.

Introduction

Sense provides support and activities for disabled people with complex needs, including deafblind people. Its services cover children, young people and adults.

These include day services, community support, short breaks and arts and sports activities. Sense also offers information, advice and resources, and its shops include pre-loved clothes.

What Sense offers

Sense provides support for disabled people with complex needs. Services include early intervention, residential support, supported living and activities that can be done at home.

There are bookable activities, online resources and ways to contact Sense about its services or make a referral. Sense College offers education for disabled people aged 16 to 25 with complex needs, including deafblindness.

Product and service categories

Arts and creative activities

Sense offers art, music and dance activities. Its programmes are open to people who are deafblind or have complex needs, and families are welcome to join the sessions. There are also virtual sessions and guides to creative activities at home.

Sport and movement

Activities include sensory walks, rock climbing and badminton, with both in-person and online options. Bookable sessions also include non-contact boxing, sensory movement and dance. Sense provides resources and training for people interested in supporting disabled people to take part in sport.

Short breaks

Sense offers getaways and days out for disabled adults and children, alongside a chance for families and carers to take a break. Options include holiday clubs, weekend clubs and one-to-one personal assistant support. Services vary by location.

Day services for adults

Sense offers daytime activities for adults with complex needs at its centres. Activities depend on where a person lives and their interests. The range includes creative sessions, life skills, exercise and trips.

Community support

Sense offers communicator guides and intervenors as part of its community support. They can assist with everyday tasks, emails and calls, and act as interpreters during conversations. Intervenors can provide support at home and in the community.

Children and young people

Support for disabled children and young people includes early intervention. Activities include sensory stories, sensory exploration and movement sessions. Sense also offers holiday clubs and weekend clubs for young people aged 8 to 18.

Information and resources

Sense provides information about conditions and disabilities, technology and mobility aids, and communicating. Topics include Braille, the Deafblind Manual, Makaton and sign language. There are also resources for parents, carers and support staff.

Browse the full range on the Sense website.

More Info

Using the website

The website has a search function, an account option and an online form for enquiries about services. Its area search covers activities, centres, shops and other opportunities. Sense also provides online activities to try at home and an online gallery featuring painting, poetry, music and dance by disabled people.

Notable features

Sense offers workshops and courses on creating accessible art programmes. Its resources include guidance on sensory arts, music-making, dance and movement-based activities. People can also contact the arts and wellbeing or sports teams with questions about activities.

Frequently asked questions

How can I enquire about Sense services?

You can contact Sense through its online form to find out about services for disabled people with complex needs. The form can also be used to enquire about making a referral.

Who can refer someone to day services?

A person can refer themselves, or a family member or friend can make a referral. Social workers, transition workers, GPs and other health practitioners can also refer someone.

What activities can be part of day services?

Examples include cookery, pottery, music, swimming and gardening. Other options include learning to use technology, practising life skills and taking day trips.

Who do communicator guides support?

Communicator guides support adults with acquired deafblindness or multi-sensory impairment. This means their hearing or vision loss developed later in life rather than at birth.

Who do intervenors support?

Intervenors work with children and adults who were born deafblind, often with other complex needs. They work with the person and their family to develop a way of communicating.

What might a short break include?

Examples include sensory play, crafts, cooking, sports and days out. Sense also offers one-to-one support in the community, including after-school care.

Key takeaways

Sense offers services for disabled people with complex needs across different stages of life.
Activities include arts, music, dance, sport and sensory exploration.
Adult support includes day services, residential care and community support.
Short breaks include outings, clubs and one-to-one support, with services varying by location.
The website offers activity resources, information about communication and a way to enquire about services.

Summary

Sense brings together support, activities and resources for disabled people with complex needs. From creative sessions and short breaks to day services and community support, its services cover a range of activities and life stages.