See Hear took place in Hamilton this week and leads the way for future events that will be held across the council area.

The information event – which had been organised by South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership – was received favourably by both those who experience sensory difficulties and those who care for them, as well as by the extensive range of charities and organisations that attended.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “I am delighted that once again colleagues and partners have been able to come together to highlight the range of supports available for local people with sensory difficulties – support that that can make a real difference to the quality of their lives.

“Perhaps you struggle to hear the television or other people talking, or find it difficult to read a book or a screen, or maybe this is the case for someone you know.

“Organisations and people who can help by sharing experience, advice and support about equipment, benefits and assistance in general were on hand at this event and will, of course, be available in other areas when See Hear is held in locations across South Lanarkshire.”

Staff from the Health and Social Care Partnership, the council’s Money Matters and NHS Lanarkshire Audiology Services were joined at the event by colleagues from organisations including RNIB Scotland, RNID and Sight Scotland, while qualified British Sign Language interpreters were also available.

Lauren Brown, Head Teacher at Hamilton School for the Deaf, said: “I attended the See Hear event to promote the work of our school and service, and to raise the profile of Hamilton School for the Deaf. There are many people living and working in South Lanarkshire who are unaware of the school and the work that we do. In fact, we are one of only three Schools for the Deaf left in Scotland and our good practice has been recognised by both HMIe and Care Inspectorate.

“Many people approached me on the day to learn more about the work we do across South Lanarkshire and some adults shared their experiences of their own school days and how education is now a more positive experience for Deaf children than it once was. For example, BSL is now recognised as an official language, where once children who used BSL were chastised!

“The event was a great success and showcased all services on offer across South Lanarkshire. It was a privilege to be part of it.”

Information on future events will be publicised via the council’s social media channels in due course, and more details in the meantime can be found in a video on the council's YouTube channel.