Sense Ability Matters

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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 loss 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.

A warm welcome to our new Chief Executive Officer, Deb Hamilton!We’re delighted to share that Deb joined Sense Ability M...
20/10/2026

A warm welcome to our new Chief Executive Officer, Deb Hamilton!

We’re delighted to share that Deb joined Sense Ability Matters this month, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for SAM.

Deb brings extensive leadership experience across healthcare, charities and not-for-profit organisations, alongside valuable expertise in governance and developing services. Her knowledge and experience will help us build on our work supporting people living with sight loss across Gateshead and South Tyneside.

At the heart of SAM are the people we support, our colleagues, volunteers and wider community. We look forward to working with Deb as we continue to develop our services and help people live with greater independence and confidence.

Please join us in welcoming Deb to the SAM community!

Image description: Headshot of the new Sense Ability Matters Chief Executive Officer, Deb Hamilton

Today is White Cane Safety Day! Today serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to get out and about safely. A white c...
15/10/2026

Today is White Cane Safety Day! Today serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to get out and about safely. A white cane can mean greater freedom, confidence and independence.

We can all help make our communities more accessible:

• Keep pavements, entrances and dropped kerbs clear.
• Ask if someone would like help before stepping in.
• Introduce yourself and speak directly to the person.
• Give clear directions rather than pointing, and respect their choices.

Sense Ability Matters supports blind and partially sighted people across Gateshead and South Tyneside to live independently and stay connected. Please share this post with someone who may benefit from a conversation with our team - we look forward to hearing from you.



Image description: Blind woman using a white cane with a Sense Ability Matters team member offering support

Today is World Sight Day, a global campaign to and make eye care accessible to all.Over 2.2 billion people globally ha...
08/10/2026

Today is World Sight Day, a global campaign to and make eye care accessible to all.

Over 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment, and nearly 1 billion of these cases are preventable or treatable. At Sense Ability Matters, we work every day to help people with sight loss stay connected, confident, and independent — whether that’s through specialist equipment, digital training, or one-to-one support.

How you can take action:
• Prioritise your health: Book a routine eye test today.
• Get local support: Reach out to us to learn how our tailored services can assist your daily routine.

Let's make eye health a priority together. Contact Sense Ability Matters today to see how we can support your journey.



Image description: Pair of hands holding up glasses with text saying World Sight Day and the SAM logo on top

Come along to Your Next Steps Live to explore career and training options, meet employers and find inspiration for your ...
06/10/2026

Come along to Your Next Steps Live to explore career and training options, meet employers and find inspiration for your future.

Sense Ability Matters will have an information stall there, so pop over and say hello! We’d love to chat about our support for people living with sight loss.

Join us:
Tuesday 13 October, 3.30pm –7pm
Temple Park Centre, South Shields, NE34 8QN

Find out more: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/yournextsteps
Connexions South Tyneside



Image Description: South Tyneside Council poster for Your Next Steps Live. Tuesday 13 October, 3.30–7pm at Temple Park Centre, South Shields

A big thank you to our lovely volunteers Andrew and Micci for looking after our information stall at Asda in South Shiel...
02/10/2026

A big thank you to our lovely volunteers Andrew and Micci for looking after our information stall at Asda in South Shields on Friday 25 September.

We really appreciate you giving your time to help spread the word about Sense Ability Matters and the support available for people living with sight loss.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello - we will be back so be sure to come by and learn about the wonderful services available.



Image Description: Man sitting behind a table with Sense Ability Matters flyers on top.

Come along to our new social group for a chat, a fun quiz or a game of cards. Everyone is welcome.Every fortnight on Thu...
30/09/2026

Come along to our new social group for a chat, a fun quiz or a game of cards. Everyone is welcome.

Every fortnight on Thursdays, 12.30–2.30pm. The next group is tomorrow, 1 October.
Salvation Army, Tennyson Court, Sunderland Road, NE8 3EY

For more information, contact Claire on 07879 937307

We’d love to see you there!



Image Description: Two men laughing in a group with text over the image "Social Group: Salvation Army Gateshead"

Bringing SAM to you!Last week Claire, one of our Community Engagement Officers, set up at the Ocean Road Community Centr...
28/09/2026

Bringing SAM to you!

Last week Claire, one of our Community Engagement Officers, set up at the Ocean Road Community Centre to share our services and what SAM can do for people who may need our support.

We always enjoy getting the chance to meet you face-to-face, so if you would like us to attend an event or know of someone who would benefit from hearing about Sense Ability Matters, please get in touch!

You can contact Claire at 07879 937307



Image Description: Sense Ability Matters team member standing at a booth with information about our services

This National Eye Health Week, we want you to know that if you’re living with sight loss, you don’t have to navigate it ...
24/09/2026

This National Eye Health Week, we want you to know that if you’re living with sight loss, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Sense Ability Matters supports adults across South Tyneside and Gateshead to build confidence, stay independent and feel connected.

We can help with:

• Personalised support
• Low vision care: specialist optometrist assessments, advice and equipment
• Everyday independence: rehabilitation, equipment and practical support
• Living Well with Sight Loss courses: friendly sessions covering eye health, daily living, benefits and wellbeing.
• Emotional and community support: counselling, group activities and opportunities to meet people who understand.
• Advocacy: support with issues including benefits, employment, housing and transport applications.

Get in touch to find out how we can support you.

Please share this with someone who might find it helpful.



Image Description: SAM team member showing client how to use magnifying stand for reading

It’s National Eye Health Week!Looking after your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your body and we...
22/09/2026

It’s National Eye Health Week!

Looking after your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your body and we’re here to help you do just that.

Here are some simple ways to keep your eyes healthy:

- Get regular eye tests – even if you think your vision is fine. Early detection can prevent serious conditions.
- Eat well – leafy greens, oily fish, and colourful fruits and veg all support eye health.
- Rest – follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Take regular breaks from screen time and adjust your lighting to reduce eye strain.
- Wear sunglasses – protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Don’t ignore changes – blurry vision, floaters, or eye pain? Get it checked.

At SAM, we support people living with sight loss and visual impairments through services like rehabilitation, digital skills training, and community support. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please get in touch.



Image Description: Older woman having an eye test done with the SAM optometrist with a purple overlay and the text 'National Eye Health Week'

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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