Sense Ability Matters

Sense Ability Matters Vision & Hearing Support (VHS) is a local Charity working with sensory impaired people on their journey to independence.

Sense Ability Matters (SAM) is a charity which supports all adults in South Tyneside and Gateshead who have a sensory impairment, are disabled, or live with a long-term health condition. In South Tyneside and Gateshead over 11,700 people live with sight loss and over 1,800 are registered blind, in addition, over 65,500 adults in this area are deaf or hard of hearing. We help adults with sensory lo

ss have choice and control over their lives and help others better understand the needs of people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf or hard of hearing.

Stay in the loop with all the latest news, events and updates from Sense Ability Matters!Sign up to our newsletter today...
03/09/2026

Stay in the loop with all the latest news, events and updates from Sense Ability Matters!

Sign up to our newsletter today by emailing us at [email protected] or sign up on our website.

Be sure you are also following us on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to hear about our exciting projects and ways you can get involved✨

Image description: Text reads 'Sgn up to our newsletter'. A laptop graphic sits below it with a screen grab from the SAM website.

Support SAM by volunteering your time.Our volunteer drivers and befrienders play a vital role in helping people stay con...
01/09/2026

Support SAM by volunteering your time.

Our volunteer drivers and befrienders play a vital role in helping people stay connected, attend appointments and feel less isolated. Sometimes it is a lift to a group or appointment. Sometimes it is simply a friendly conversation that brightens someone’s day.

If you have a little time to give and want to make a real difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more about volunteering with SAM:
📞 0191 478 5959
📧 [email protected]

Image description: Woman leaning over older woman. Volunteer With Us text and SAM logo over the top of the image.

PATIENT & PUBLIC EVENT ON AI & EYE CAREDo you or someone you know have experience of eye disease, like glaucoma? Please ...
27/08/2026

PATIENT & PUBLIC EVENT ON AI & EYE CARE

Do you or someone you know have experience of eye disease, like glaucoma? Please take part in an event about research led by Newcastle and Durham University, in collaboration with Newcastle RVI hospital and Sunderland eye hospital, using AI to diagnose eye & brain disease from eye images.

The event will take place in person on 18th September 2026 from 10-12 at Newcastle City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, NE1 8AX.

Speakers include Dr. Anya Hurlbert, Professor of Visual Neuroscience, Newcastle University; Prof. Rahele Kafieh, Professor in Bioengineering, Durham University and Dr. Salman Sadiq, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Newcastle RVI Hospital.

Participants will receive a £20 voucher as a thank you to spend at: www.giftpay.co.uk

For queries email: [email protected].

Please sign-up on this form by 10th September: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/V4073KPhs6

Reminiscence Group The next Reminiscence Group session at Wood Green Communal Lounge is on 14th September - are you join...
24/08/2026

Reminiscence Group

The next Reminiscence Group session at Wood Green Communal Lounge is on 14th September - are you joining us?

We get together on the second Monday of the month to share memories of the past, chat over a cuppa and meet new friends.

All sessions will run from 13:30-15:30. For more information contact Kirsty on 07507639472

Image description: Photograph of old photo with a purple overlay. Text saying 'Reminiscence Group: Wood Green Communal Lounge'.

SAM Members: Save the date ⭐We are pleased to invite SAM members to our next informal membership event on Tuesday 29 Sep...
20/08/2026

SAM Members: Save the date ⭐

We are pleased to invite SAM members to our next informal membership event on Tuesday 29 September at 2pm.

The event will include a follow-up transport networking session with local transport leaders. Members will have another opportunity to share their experiences, raise questions and discuss how transport services can be made more accessible. There will also be a selection of equipment available for members to see and try.

The venue is still to be confirmed so we will share the full details with members as soon as they are available.

Image description: An image with a yellow background and white border with the text 'Are you a SAM Member? written in large letters. Underneath there is an icon of a calendar with the words 'SAVE THE DATE' inside. The SAM logo is at the bottom.

Reminiscence Group The next Reminiscence Group session at McErlane Square is on 7th September - are you joining us? We g...
17/08/2026

Reminiscence Group

The next Reminiscence Group session at McErlane Square is on 7th September - are you joining us?

We get together on the first Monday of the month to share memories of the past, chat over a cuppa and meet new friends.

All sessions will run from 11:30-12:30. For more information contact Kirsty on 07385508031

Image description: Photograph of old photo with a purple overlay. Text saying 'Reminiscence Group: McErlane Square'.

Join Sense Ability Matters for a hands-on demonstration and give Meta glasses a try on Thursday 20th August, 1.30–3.30pm...
13/08/2026

Join Sense Ability Matters for a hands-on demonstration and give Meta glasses a try on Thursday 20th August, 1.30–3.30pm at the Gateshead Civic Centre

Designed to support people who are blind or partially sighted, Meta glasses can help users:

• Use their phone hands-free
• Identify colours
• Read menus, letters and emails
• Read food labels, use-by dates and cooking instructions
• Enjoy greater confidence and independence—and much more!

People who have tried the glasses have described them as “life-changing”.

Interested in attending? Call Susan on 0191 478 5959.



Image description: Yellow background with image of Meta Glasses and test: Join us: Meta glasses demo

Congratulations to Frey on achieving their new certification and stepping into the role of Vision Rehabilitation Special...
10/08/2026

Congratulations to Frey on achieving their new certification and stepping into the role of Vision Rehabilitation Specialist at Sense Ability Matters.

Vision Rehabilitation plays a vital role in helping people with sight loss maintain their independence, confidence and quality of life through practical training and tailored support.

Frey says:
"I'm most looking forward to helping those who've lost their sight to be as independent as possible and to live life on their own terms with the skills I teach. I love teaching long cane!"

We're delighted to see Frey progressing in their career and look forward to the positive impact they'll continue to make for people living with sight loss across our communities.



Image Description: Picture of Frey with SAM logo

Gateshead residents with sight loss, hearing loss, a long-term health condition or disability are warmly invited to join...
06/08/2026

Gateshead residents with sight loss, hearing loss, a long-term health condition or disability are warmly invited to join a brunch hosted by Sense Ability Matters for a relaxed morning of delicious food and good company.

Meet new friends and discover the social activities, digital skills support and other opportunities available through Sense Ability Matters.

Join us on 20 August 2026 from 10:00am–12:00pm at Metrocentre Community Hub, Upper Green Mall (next to Boots)

To secure your place, contact Kirsty on 07507 639472.

Everyone is welcome!



Image Description: Flyer with details of the Brunch and Friendship event with a photo of a brunch spread at the bottom. Join us on 20 August 2026 from 10:00am–12:00pm at Metrocentre Community Hub, Upper Green Mall

There are so many ways you can support Sense Ability Matters and make a real difference in your local community.As a cha...
03/08/2026

There are so many ways you can support Sense Ability Matters and make a real difference in your local community.

As a charity, SAM supports adults across South Tyneside and Gateshead who are living with sight loss, hearing loss, disability or long term health conditions, helping people stay independent, build confidence and feel less isolated.

If you’d like to get involved, you can:
• Make a donation, one off or monthly
• Fundraise or take on a challenge
• Become a member and help shape our services
• Volunteer your time, from befriending to driving
• Join as a Trustee and help guide the future of the charity

Every bit of support helps us continue providing vital services, from rehabilitation and digital support to social groups and wellbeing activities.

Find out more or get involved visit our website or get in touch!



Image Description: Woman in Sense Ability Matters shirt smiling while having a conversation. Support SAM text and SAM logo over the top of the image.

Address

Hebburn
NE100HW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441914785959

Website

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