Sensory – Visual and Hearing

Sensory symbol earSensory Team
4th Floor
Union House
Union Street
Torquay TQ1 3YA

Tel: 01803 219800
Textphone: 18001 01803 219800
Email: Sensory Team

Sensory symbol eyeThe Sensory Team provides assessment, advice and support to adults with sight and hearing problems. The service is available to all.

The team aim to empower individuals to improve their lives by having access to information, practical support and rehabilitation to ensure they have the opportunity to make more informed choices and have control over their lives, promoting independence, health and wellbeing. This supports individuals to have an active part in the local community and improving health.

There is a number of hearing, visual and dual sensory loss specialists in the Team that can provide a wide range of services including:

  • Assessment of need
  • Reablement to maintain independence within and outside the home
  • Advice on specialist equipment to maintain independence
  • Referrals onto other appropriate services
  • Local agent for British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF)

How to make a referral

To access the service you can be referred by one of the following:

  • Individuals
  • Carers
  • Hospital sensory services
  • Other professionals

To self-refer call the contact number above and a health and social care co-ordinator will take a telephone referral. If agreed with the person who has a sensory disability, the co-ordinator will be happy to talk to your carer, who can discuss your needs on your behalf.

If necessary, a worker from the Sensory Team will go out and complete a referral in the person’s own home at an agreed time. All appointments will be confirmed in writing.

Sensory Resource Centre

If you want to discuss your needs and the help available to you face to face, drop into our Sensory Resource Centre at Jasmyn House in Paignton and speak to one of our specialist team members.

We have a range of aids and equipment that we can demonstrate that may assist with daily living.

Jasmyn House
1 Midvale Road
Paignton TQ4 5BD

Tel: 01803 551846
Mobile: 07876 398194

Opening hours:

Tuesday, 10am to 4pm; Wednesday, 10am to 4pm; Thursday, 10am to 4pm

Courses and peer support groups

Click on the headings below to find more information on our courses and peer support groups.

Do you have a love of books?

Sensory Team – Book Group

10am to midday, on the second Tuesday of every month. Please join us we would love to see you there!

Jasmyn House, 1 Midvale Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BD.

For more information contact Bevis Taylor on 07770 684008 or 01803 219782.

For people with a visual impairment, hearing impairment and their family / carers.

Bring along your own projects to create, and learn new skills from other group members. Voluntary contribution of £2, which includes refreshments.

  • Card making
  • Crochet and knitting
  • New mosaics
  • Painting and drawing
  • Sewing, embroidery and tapestry

10am to midday, on the third Tuesday of every month.

Jasmyn House, 1 Midvale Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BD.

For more information call 01803 551846.

Do you have a hearing loss?

  • Come and join us for light refreshments
  • Meet others who are also hard of hearing
  • Combat any feeling of loneliness and isolation
  • Practical advice and information available
  • Audiology — repairs, maintenance and advice
  • Voluntary contribution £2 to include refreshments

10am midday, on the first Tuesday of every month.

Jasmyn House, 1 Midvale Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BD.

For more information contact the Sensory Team on: Tel: 01803 219800.

  • Manage your hearing loss and learn to improve communication with lip-reading and coping strategies
  • Learn the various lip shapes and how to use clues from the context of a conversation
  • Increase your confidence and lessen feelings of isolation
  • Beginners welcome

Jasmyn House, 1 Midvale Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BD.

For more information contact Bevis Taylor on 07770 684008 or 01803 219782.

  • Learn coping mechanisms
  • Get mutual support from sharing experiences
  • Guest speakers

10am to midday, on the fourth Monday of every month.

Jasmyn House, 1 Midvale Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BD.

For more information contact Bevis Taylor on 07770 684008 or 01803 219782.

Come and join us for light refreshments and meet others who have a visual impairment. Practical advice and information available. Voluntary contribution £2 to include refreshments, cakes and raffle prizes.

10am to midday, on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Jasmyn House, 1 Midvale Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BD.

For more information call 01803 551846.