Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, has visited Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey at their new centre in Ashtead to find out more about the services and support available to her constituents living with sight and hearing loss.
The visit gave the MP an opportunity to meet the team, learn more about the charity’s work across Surrey and see its new centre following its recent move to Ashtead.
During her visit, Helen heard about the range of services on offer, including the practical and specialist support available to people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind and the importance of residents knowing who they can ask for advice and support. She also discussed some of the challenges faced by local people with sensory loss, including challenges disabled people are experiencing to maintain employment, due to issues with the Access to Work scheme.
Helen Maguire MP said:
“It was really valuable to visit Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey and find out more about the support available to my constituents. I was also delighted to see the charity’s new centre here in Ashtead and meet the people who provide such an important service to local residents.
“Sensory loss can have a significant impact on people’s independence and day-to-day lives, so it is important that people know what support is available to them. I’m grateful to the team for taking the time to show me around and explain more about their work.”
Clare Burgess, CEO from Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Helen Maguire MP to our new centre in Ashtead and show her around and talk to her about the support we provide to people living with sensory loss and the Deaf community across Surrey. I was so pleased Helen showed such an interest in the issues residents with sensory loss, and other disabled people, face to secure and maintain employment due to the problems with the Access to Work scheme.
“We were also delighted to celebrate with Helen the recently announced changes to free bus travel for disabled people which removes the time restrictions. Accessible and affordable transport can make such a difference to people’s independence, helping them get out and about, stay connected and access work, volunteering, healthcare, and community activities. We were pleased to share this positive development with Helen and celebrate what it will mean for the people we support.”
Also, thanks to funding from a local councillor, the charity’s reception now features a live bus and train departure board, helping visitors plan their journeys and time their departures.
The new Ashtead centre provides Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey with a new base from which to engage with people locally and deliver its services to communities across Surrey.
The charity supports children and adults who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf and hard of hearing providing information, advice and practical assistance to help people maintain their independence, wellbeing and connection with their communities.
Helen’s visit also provided an opportunity to discuss Local Government Reorganisation and how adult and children’s social care will transfer over to the new Councils, and making sure residents do not experience disruption in vital services and support.