VisionPK Launches “Live Your Way” Course for People Living with Sight and Hearing Loss
VisionPK logo – Your local sight & hearing loss charity
VisionPK is pleased to launch Live Your Way, a new six-week course designed to support people living with sight and hearing loss across Perth and Kinross, alongside the family members, friends and carers who support them.
The course has been developed and is led by VisionPK’s Vision Rehabilitation Specialists and Sensory Support Coordinator, drawing on their experience of supporting people with sight and/or hearing loss to live independently and confidently. Importantly, the programme was co-developed with people with lived experience, ensuring that the content reflects real-life experiences, priorities and challenges. Input from local partner organisations has also helped shape the course, creating a programme that brings together a wide range of expertise and support.
At the heart of Live Your Way is a strong focus on practical solutions. While participants will receive information about available services and support, the course is designed to go beyond information-sharing by exploring practical techniques, tools and strategies that can be applied in everyday life. The aim is to equip people with the confidence, knowledge and skills to manage daily challenges, maintain independence and stay connected to their communities.
Two women smiling. The woman in the background is wearing a VisionPK T-shirt and holding up drumsticks.
A Practical, Person-Centred Approach
Living with sight and/or hearing loss can affect many aspects of daily life, from accessing information and navigating environments to maintaining social connections and emotional wellbeing. Live Your Way takes a holistic and person-centred approach, recognising that no two people’s experiences are the same.
Through a combination of practical learning, discussion, peer support and specialist input, participants are encouraged to identify solutions that work for their individual circumstances and goals.
Course Programme
The six-week programme covers a range of topics relevant to people adjusting to or living with sensory loss:
Week 1 – Finding Your Way
Understanding available support services, benefits, entitlements and financial assistance.
Week 2 – Confident Living
Exploring practical ways to remain independent at home and within the community.
Week 3 – Using Technology
Discovering adaptive technology, tools and techniques that support independence, communication and connection.
Week 4 – Emotional Wellbeing
Building resilience, managing change and exploring strategies to support emotional health and wellbeing.
Week 5 – Walking in Their Shoes
A dedicated session for carers, family members and friends that aims to increase understanding of the lived experience of sight and hearing loss. Participants will take part in an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience, allowing them to gain insight into the challenges people with sight and/or hearing loss may face in everyday situations. The session will also include an introduction to sighted guiding techniques, providing practical skills and confidence to support someone with sight loss safely and effectively.
Week 6 – Leisure, Social Connections and Community Support
Exploring opportunities for social engagement, community involvement and ongoing support.
Working in Partnership
A key strength of the programme is the collaboration between VisionPK and local partner organisations, ensuring participants benefit from a broad range of specialist knowledge and expertise.
- Perth Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will contribute to Week 1, providing guidance on financial support, benefits and entitlements.
- Lead Scotland will support Week 3, sharing information on accessible technology, learning opportunities and resources.
- Mindspace will deliver the Emotional Wellbeing session in Week 4, focusing on resilience, coping strategies and mental wellbeing.
Building Confidence, Skills and Connections
The course is designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen everyday skills and develop a greater understanding of the support available to them. Alongside practical learning, the programme provides opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing isolation and fostering peer support.
By combining lived experience, professional expertise and partnership working, Live Your Way offers a practical and empowering approach to supporting people with sight and hearing loss to live independently and confidently.
Poster for Live Your Way Courses with three bubbles of a group of people sitting around a table laughing, two women looking at a phone and a woman and man looking at a tablet. Text says “Live Your Way Courses. Managing Sight and Hearing Loss. A friendly, six week course for people with sight and/or hearing loss and their carers/family/friends. Build confidence. Strengthen everyday skills. Find community support. Six Weeks. In-person, friendly and supportive. Hear from VisionPK staff, CAB, MIndspace and Lead Scotland. You’re not alone. We’re here for you. At the top is the VisionPK logo – Your local sight & hearing loss charity.
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