Larne to shine a lighton deafblindness

Three Mid and East Antrim landmarks will be lit up in orange to mark Deafblind Awareness Week.
Smiley Buildings. INLT 36-318-PRSmiley Buildings. INLT 36-318-PR
Smiley Buildings. INLT 36-318-PR

The Braid in Ballymena, Smiley Buildings in Larne and Carrickfergus Castle will be illuminated from Saturday 24 until Friday 30 June.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to support the awareness campaign, following a request from leading deafblind charity Sense.

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The Borough’s Mayor, Councillor Paul Reid, said: “There are approximately 358,000 people in the UK who are deafblind, with the figure estimated to rise to half a million by 2030.

“Sense in Northern Ireland approached Council about the possibility of lighting up local landmarks to raise awareness of deafblindness.

“I am delighted these special illuminations are taking place so we can support all of those who live with deafblindness and those who support them.”

The buildings will be lit in orange as requested by Sense, as orange and purple are the charity’s colours of choice.

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Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing loss that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to access all kinds of information, and to get around.

Deafblindness is not just a deaf person who cannot see, or a blind person who cannot hear. The two impairments together increase the effects of each.

Sense is a national charity that supports people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs, to enjoy more independent lives.

It provides a comprehensive range of services for deafblind children and adults in Northern Ireland. The services are designed to meet individual and community needs, with the charity operating at Meadowbank Resource Centre in Carrickfergus, a residential home in Eden and a family centre and specialist nursery in Mallusk.

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Their expertise in supporting individuals with communication needs benefits people of all ages, as well as their families and carers.

This experience now enables Sense to help people with a much wider range of disabilities.

Sense provides information and advice, offers a wide range of flexible services and campaigns passionately for the rights of the people they serve.

Their services include a range of housing options, resource centres, educational support, short breaks and arts, sport and wellbeing programmes.

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