Carrick to shine a light on deafblindness

Carrickfergus Castle will be lit up orange next week to highlight Deafblind Awareness Week.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jun 2017, 13:02 BST
Updated 18th Jul 2017, 08:24 BST
Carrick Castle will be lit up orange.Carrick Castle will be lit up orange.
Carrick Castle will be lit up orange.

The medieval fortress will be illuminated from Saturday June 24 until Friday June 30.

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 well-being programmes.

Related topics:CarrickCarrickfergus Castle