BLIND AND DEAF young people in Moray have been able to join a summer of adventures thanks to the efforts of a local charity.
North East Sensory Services (NESS) exists to help and support sensory impaired peopled throughout the North East and have bases in Elgin, Aberdeen and Dundee.
Through the summer months the charity’s Young Person’s Sensory Service (YPSS) organised a number of different events for blind and deaf youngsters, which took place across Moray.
The programme catered to all types of different skill sets and allowed the children to step out of their comfort zones. Some of the exciting activities included a visit to Highland Wildlife Park, an Elgin family fun day, dolphin watching in the Moray Firth, as well as horse riding and tandem bike riding sessions.
Vicky Maclachlan, whose seven-year-old son Callum is deaf, has been speaking of her gratitude for the programme: “Callum has been going to NESS for around four years now and he looks forward to all the activities that are organised in the school holidays.
“I also really enjoy taking Callum along to the events, as the kids can play together at ease, whilst the parents get together to share hints and tips with each other.
“The activities organised by NESS make such a big difference to all the kids, as there’s always something going on. I believe that all the parents would be lost without NESS and the services it provides.”
NESS young person’s coordinator is Diana Daneels: “Our range of adventure and outdoor events are extremely popular with the youngsters who use the NESS services. The kids really enjoy planning the activities with us and they get more adventurous every year.
“It’s very important that we teach the children that they’re just as capable of taking part in activities, as fully sighted and hearing children.
“The range of activities that NESS provides helps to build confidence, forge friendships, improve skills and allows them to push their boundaries. The parents are always extremely thankful, as the activities gives the children something to look forward to.
“It’s always really rewarding to see the youngsters enjoying themselves and bonding with one another.”
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