Sensory Services (YorSensory)

Prior to winning the Sensory Support Hub Contract in Spring 2017, The Wilberforce Trust undertook a significant rebranding exercise and consulted with clients to identify gaps in sensory provision in the City. As a result of this the YORSIGHT team looked at sensory provision, recognising that the excellent service provided to visually impaired people could be broadened to all people with any degree of sensory loss, included hearing and dual sensory impairments. Sensory services were then rebranded as YORSENSORY.

The Yorsensory Team operate within the Wilberforce Trust providing supportive services to anyone living with any degree of visual or hearing impairment, or both. Since 2017 the team have provided a range of services including, Low Vision, Private and Public Rehabilitation Services, Sensory Awareness Training and due to our continuous improvement and evolving with the needs of the clients, we now provide much more.

Collectively the team use their training, knowledge and experience to support people with sensory loss, and those who care for them, work with them or educate them, to provide every opportunity for making life as independent as possible. The team can provide detailed information, advice, guidance and equipment demonstrations to improve daily living, increase confidence, social contact and reduce the risks of living with sensory loss.

As a team, we collaborate and work in partnership with a range of other organisations, in various ways. Our Outreach Service takes our advice on the road and offers the opportunity to engage with other organisations. Our Support Groups are developed on need, working with organisations such as RetinaUK and Tinnitus UK. These partnerships increase the community awareness of sensory loss, encourage knowledge sharing and ensure individuals know where to go for support when they need it most. We have completed projects and events with York CVS, YorkMind, YOPA, OCAY, NimbusCare, Healthwatch and many more.

Our goal is to ensure that every person who interacts with our YorSensory services gains deeper knowledge about their conditions, the support available, and the small changes that can enhance their daily life. By raising awareness and education, we equip people and services with the tools they need to improve their independence, and access to services.

To find out more about the work of the YorSensory Team read our 5 year impact report, covering the work we did between 2017-2022.

”Hello team. Called in this morning and was seen by your duty worker. I have now got an app called Relay UK up and running thanks to them. I can now make calls and read the response. This is a biggie for me, as i no longer feel so isolated when i am alone in the house. Great set up there team! Thank you again to you all.”

The links to the side of this page explain further about our services and their growth since YorSensory came into existence.

Evidence suggests that people wait on average 10 years before seeking help for their hearing loss and that when they do, GPs fail to refer 30-45% to NHS audiology services.