North East Sensory Services supported Jan Harrison.
A woman who was becoming “more and more isolated” as she struggled with an eye condition has praised the charity that helped her regain control of her life.
Jan Harrison, 69, from Lossiemouth, sought help from North East Sensory Services (NESS) after being diagnosed with macular degeneration, a common condition that affects people’s central vision.
While it does not cause total blindness, it can make everyday activities such as reading and recognising faces difficult and can prove extremely debilitating to those affected.
Jan, who was employed as a learning co-ordinator for disabled adults at the time of her diagnosis, found that her deteriorating eyesight was having a major impact on her life.
After contacting the NESS team in Moray in summer 2023, she received intensive support to ensure she did not become isolated, including counselling and help with a housing application.
NESS supports thousands of blind and deaf people, and those with visual and hearing impairments, across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Angus and Moray.
The charity’s main objective is to help people with sensory loss to live as independently as possible.
Jan said: “Part of my employment contract required me to be able to drive over a large area to meet with clients. It was becoming obvious that it was no longer safe for me to do so.
“My mobility was also becoming much reduced, which also meant that I was no longer able to do some of my past hobbies such as photography and jewellery making and fine crafts.
“I felt like so many things were being ‘taken’ from me and I wasn’t coping very well with it. I phoned NESS to discuss what might be available to me.
“The person I spoke with could hear how panicky I was becoming, and asked if I would like to be referred to a counsellor at RNIB Scotland.
“Over eight weeks of counselling, I was able to start to deal with issues which had been leading me to become more and more isolated.”
Staff at NESS helped to register Jan as sight impaired, as well as supporting her make an application for more suitable housing that met her needs.
She was also able to apply for Attendance Allowance to help her financially, and was referred to a physiotherapist to help with her mobility issues, improving her balance and confidence.
Her key worker at the charity also arranged an assessment by an occupational therapist who provided Jan with aids to make her home safer, and applied to the council’s befriender service.
Jan added: “My NESS worker treated me as a valuable person who has many skills that can still be used to overcome any barriers I may face.
“I was assured that what I am feeling is valid, and that life will look very different, but can still be rewarding and enjoyable.
“The support I received was quite intense for a few months, but came at the right time and in the right way for me. I have been able to determine what goals I wanted to set, and when, with support from the NESS social worker.
“I’ve been able to shed tears of frustration and be listened to. I have received encouragement and praise too.
“I have been able to contemplate joining groups in my area, both for peer support for me and to volunteer with. I am now retired, and it is time to put much of this into practice.
“If, like me, you have felt you have been doing this on your own, or are ready to move forward in dealing with this way of living that may feel so different to what you have known before, may I recommend you get in touch with your nearest NESS office and start with a chat with their lovely staff.
“I am not going to say that it isn’t still difficult at times, but I feel like I am no longer alone, and many of my practical needs are now sorted.”
NESS is a charity based in the north-east of Scotland which provides support services for people with hearing and visual impairments. It works in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee and Moray.
Founded in 1879, it is the second-oldest charity in Aberdeen and supports over 6,250 people with sensory impairment and their families. In 2010 it changed its name from Grampian Society for the Blind to NESS.
Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said: “It is really heartwarming to hear what a positive experience Jan had after she decided to contact us for help, and we are delighted that she is doing so well.
“Suddenly encountering issues with your eyesight is a difficult and frightening thing for anybody to go through, and without the right help, the risk of isolation and worry can increase considerably.
“Whether it is helping with an application for more suitable housing, arranging health appointments, or just being there to listen, our experienced staff can do it.
“We would urge anyone going through the same thing as Jan to get in touch with NESS, and we will do everything we can to make life more manageable and ensure you keep your independence.”
