Sense 2013-2016 Deafblind and Multi-Sensory Impaired People will be at the Heart of all that we do 1 Introduction 1 2 Vision and values 2 2.1 Our Vision 2 2.2 Our Purpose 2 2.3 “The I Statements” 2 2.4 Who we work with 3 3 Our commitment 2013 – 2016 3 4 Areas we might want to grow 3 5 What do you want to see Sense do? 3 Introduction Sense is introducing a new strategic plan, a new direction, for the period 2013 – 2016. The plan will confirm the organisation’s vision, purpose, values and behaviours. It will outline who we work with and the areas we may want to grow or develop. The plan will be simple and straightforward, avoiding the use of jargon. It will outline the organisation’s work in a way that progress can be measured, the plan is do-able and is costed. Sense is a balanced organisation – one that delivers both services and campaigns for the rights of deafblind and multi-sensory impaired people. In challenging times Sense will need to find new and innovative ways of doing things, with a problem solving approach. There are challenges, particularly with finance, so we are looking at creative ways to invest in new services that keeps them sustainable. One of the areas is likely to be social enterprise. This could range from new centres with cafes, shops, arts activities to finding ways to support employment for individuals. There will be a theme of inclusion and partnership with people working together including all stakeholders, families, deafblind and multi-sensory impaired people, service users, staff and external agencies. Vision and values Our Vision A world in which, all deafblind children and adults can be full and active members of society. Our Purpose To support and promote the interests of people who are deafblind or who have a hearing or vision impairment, including those with additional impairments or persons who are suffering from the congenital effects of rubella. “The I Statements” These statements describe our behaviours and expectations. They are inclusive and apply to us all, staff, Trustees, members, and our behaviour to colleagues in other agencies. Along with our values they will flow into practice, staff learning, information materials, policies and staff performance. What do you think of them? • No decision about me, without me. • I will listen to others. • I will understand and respond. • I will respect others. • I will be honest and open. • I will participate and contribute. • I will take informed risk. • I will find things to celebrate. Who we work with Sense’s Memorandum and Articles of Association defines the organisation’s beneficiaries as: persons who are deafblind or who have a hearing or vision impairment, including those with additional impairments or persons who are suffering from the congenital effects of rubella. Sense has significant skills and knowledge of the support and services deafblind people need, with a particular focus on communication, access to information and mobility. These skills can be used to benefit not only people who do not define themselves as deafblind but also those beyond our core beneficiaries where the impact of an individual’s sensory impairment and associated disabilities has a similar impact. Our commitment 2013 – 2016 • To be a trusted, open and informed organisation • To be inclusive of families, deafblind people and staff • To have respectful relationships with our colleagues in other sectors/agencies • To be a well regarded and informed organisation Areas we might want to grow • Carers / Parents strategy: Campaigning and lobbying with parents and carers for better services and recognising the increasing role families have as direct purchasers of services. • Arts/Culture: We are keen do more as we know arts activities bring deafblind people together, support huge amounts of learning and promote confidence; they are of course are fun. • Healthy Living: whether it is outdoor activities, better health interventions and access to health services, the ability to get to be active in your community or just get out to the shops, there are a number of initiatives we want to develop that will result in healthy living and well-being • Deafblindness in older people: The vast majority of older deafblind people do not need complex support and they access what they need from existing service providers. Sense is currently thinking about what we can provide, such as training, advice, consultancy and up to date knowledge, and increase the numbers of deafblind people who have access to the support they need. • Acquired Deafblind Strategy: Providing good evidence of the needs and numbers of people with acquired deafblindness, piloting projects and longer term increasing income from contracted services. • Young Usher: We would like to find a path through some of the challenges faced in establishing and supporting friendship groups by partnering with other organisations who share similar interests. • Technology: Continuing work to provide information, develop new technology, increase the use of assistive technology by people who are deafblind and to influence government and policy makers to ensure equal access to telecommunications, broadcasting and digital inclusion. • Personalisation: We will build on work to ensure the information about our services reflects the personal nature of what we are able to offer. Going forward we know that, more and more, we will be negotiating fees for services directly with the person who may be managing their own personal care budget and benefitting from the service. • Employment: We would like to do more in supporting the wider community in employment initiatives. This could add to the work that we already do in helping people to attend colleges and engage in vocational training. • International: The international work increases our range of activities, adds value to our fundraising and offers maximum impact for relatively small amounts of money. What do you want to see Sense do? We want to check with you what you need and want from Sense. There are limited resources so we won’t be able to respond to everything, but we are looking for creative ideas and solutions. Let us know your thoughts by: • Emailing, writing or telephoning Fiona Markey (Fiona.Markey@sense.org.uk; 020 7014 9322; Sense 101 Pentonville Road, N1 9LG) • Discuss Sense’s future with other members, friends, families and professionals Gill Morbey Chief Executive Sense and Sense International