The aim of the day is to demonstrate the services and support available in West Lothian for people with sight and hearing difficulties.

Theresa Douglas, chair of West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership, said: "We hope that people who may have experienced a deterioration in their sight or hearing visit the team in Broxburn and discover the range of assistance and support that is available for them in West Lothian."

Steven Laidlaw, social worker with visually impaired people, commented: "Members of the Sensory Support Service team will be available to answer questions and we have organised displays by groups involved with people who are blind and partially sighted and deaf and hard of hearing. There will also be information and displays of the latest assistive technology which aims to support vulnerable people to live at home. The team will consist of social work staff and equipment advisors, including representatives from organisations for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind, Blind and Partially Sighted people."

Executive councillor health and care, Ellen Glass added: "The Sensory Support Service is based at St John's Hospital, however the team regularly holds outreach sessions throughout West Lothian. By holding an open day Broxburn it is hoped that more people will be able to access the service."


The Visual Impairment Service provides social work and rehabilitation services for people with a severe visual impairment. Social workers can help with the emotional difficulties sometimes associated with sight loss, advise on benefits and employment and can assess the need for services. For example home help, day care, respite or residential care.

Rehabilitation workers can give advice and training to help with everyday tasks such as cooking and kitchen skills; suggest different types of help for reading and writing, and assess and advise on mobility and mobility aids.

If you feel you may benefit from these specialist services or would like more information contact the Sensory Support Service, St John's Hospital, Howden Road West, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6PP. Telephone 01506 774497 or email: sensorycentre@westlothian.gov.uk

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