Herelordshlre Vlslon Llnks ANNUAL REPORT 20W2024 John Eden {Chief ExecutNe) Julie Cavanagh (Volunteer Co-ordinator) Isobel Powell (Resource Centre Officer) Tom Shufflebotham (Rehab and Mobilty Offi¢er> DanEI Sergent (Administration and Membershp) The Organisation has a Truee Board of 9, five of whom are VEb)n Impairèd. Resource Cent Visf(or numbers to the Resource Centre as the inilial point ol contact with the organÉsation remwn strong, wflh the added strentyh of the ActK)n Deafness operation alongside improving impact of HVL amongst their client group, ar bringing cross-disciplinary solutK)ns to presentlng clients. The Resource Centre provides infomiation, advi, demDnstration and sales of a wide range of aids and applian$, including kilchen. orfentation and cofflmunication equpment. We offer new products Irom accredited supplieFS, demonstratlons (by suppliers) of hKJh-value equipment - on site or * the cltents home, and also refurbish and olfer for -use equipment that has been donated {eg screen readers, to audio equi)ment and CCTV magnifiers). We take in donions of surplus stock Irom agencies - eg Torfaen CBC made a significant donation of equipment during the year from its centre in Llantsmam. We afso offer replacement ol renewable parts, repair and relUS1$hrnent of equipment and liaise with providers regardirMJ vi8bilty of older items. IT Cale HVL offers an IT Dropln lor users of padsAaptops and smartphones - elther supporting the inducth)n given by the supplier. or where bought remotety, demnstrating the acsIbility fea185 for the clrent. Following the COVID perM)d, a nUr of clients moved into use ol technobgy and needed to be indued and trained rapKlly - HVL cperaied the Tech Cafe as a regular 8vent, but as demand has stabilised, the ses- sions are now demand-led and are usually based on referra]s from the Rehab and Mobility Offir. Clubs and Actlvlties The transitlon of the HVL'rK)n-CX)ntract' provision from an organisalion that does things lo, people. to one that works knilh, peDe is now fully embedded in the cufture of the organisation. We encourage the founding and develwrnent of 'self-organW' groups meeting the Increased membership of the monlhty. and bi-weekty groups . there has been an injection of new members, in the craft, reading and willow weaving groups, together with Wticularly strong take-up ol the monthty social coffee rYK)mings, hdd on the Third Thursday. Membershlp Actlvltles '. the members of HVL enjoy a number of events exclusively for them - the Ghrlstmas arKI annual Bart>eGues being the 'main3tays' of the c8lend8r. Togethcr with RaGo-days at Herelord, Skillles and Ten-Pin Bowling, Lunch events and speakers, equpment demonstratn$ and tiip5 to Sight Willage and Sight and Sound Shropshire, the calendar is quite full. The Byallle LrnS Group has operated on a 'demand only, basis forthe last year, or so, although the students on placement Irom the Royal National College have all had brailing sknus, with some enthusiastic users, and trainees using the system during their work experience. - despite Braille being perceived. as 'old technology,. We befitted from the donation of two brailing machines Irom a fomer teacher of the Vksion Impaired. which has allowed leamers to take home a machine on loan to hone their skills. We have also assisted a poiential techni¢ian for braillers to gain expellen #ripping down and rebuilding a brailiNJ machinel The quarter1y,Ha of Hearing Gro. and 'BSL' groups meets in HVL on Mondays. led by the Hereford AID hub volunteers. Sensory Contract Variatton in the origin of refeffals to the sensory SerV- this is a oitical developmert in the Rehabilitation and Mobilty Activities that we undertake . it seems that the seice rbow feels very much more 'established' as health professionals and soda] re teams are rtr)w referring to HVL as a matter of routine. The maln g)urces of referral are:
VcKId Eye Unit (NHS Wlm HC via ART soc1 Care Tgams (knUpatnal Healih Team Action Deafness 8BR Optometry - bi4ire¢lional referrals NHS Low Stheme) Social PScr*r$ (Medi¢al Pra¢ttce.based) H&WFR Look-UK Relerral Volumes (fonnal) Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 137 132 75 VEU BBR 5 1 2other BBR512other BBR 1714other Pre-COVID, the refeffal levels were upwards of the 2022 and 2023 figures. The is a significant variation across the referrals from WVT VEU between the date of consultation with an Eye Specialtst and the processing and tiansmission of the CVI to HVL. This has an impact on the quality of the ¢onv8rsations we Can have with patlents, as the benefits ol earw interventH)n can be lost. The effect of late referrals to us can mean clients experience m8ntal health issues, confidence problems and modify their behaviour arKI develop o)ping ategieS, whlth may in theMsee$ be risky. Reglster ol Sl & SSI Persons HVL also maintains the Register of Sight and Severety Slght Impaired Persons, and consequently has an opportunty to offer the servi¢es of our Rehab & Mobilty Worker as well as other HVL servrces, and those of other agencies worknng in this area, including Herefoidshire Talking New5, Deaf Direct and the Low Vision Service. During the years persons were regislered with HVL as Sl or SSI - it is to be expected that the trajectory tor applications to the register will be upwards. We have recorded an increase in the proportion of clients recorded as SSI over Sl - seemingty, dolays in treatment arising from the COVID stsndstill have resulted in deleTioration in visual acuty. and registration in the 'severe' category of sight impairment. The woportk)ns may fall back to pr&COVID levels as hospilal sel¢e$ return to mrmal. Over the last 5 years, the proFrf)rti)ns have been: 2019-2020 24. SI 49%1 SSI 51% S137%ISSI Sl m ISSI 61% Sl 41% ISSI 59% SI 31% ISSI 6 ' RegistratK)n recorded in 'catend8r' year rather than '¢onvart' year Waltlng Tlmes HVL and Action Deafness report no waiting time for ser¥ryces across the disciplines. Jolnt Worklng HVL works in pathership with Action Deafness on a formal basis, by rele81 from The Victoria Eye Hospital, BBR Optomety {Low WlOn Scheme), via Community Heatth Services and Occupational Health. We have a small number of sell-referrals and the remainder lor Social Work Area Teams of HefOrdshire Council. We also parkncipate in events wh Herefordshire Disabilty Unfted, The HC 'Making li Real, Board, LOC, Herelordshire Heatthwatch and HVOSS subject-specrfic lorums in the sphere ol Aduli Social Care. Talking N$ The co-locaiion of HTN to the HVL premises is close to completKsn, with production of regular e(litions of the TN boing commenced in October. The handover from the retlring trustees ol HTN is wholly Complete, with some banking arrangements yet to be finalised. A survey of existing subscribers was undertakan by our RNC placement trainee and new subscri)ers athed to a newly created database. There ved I)¥8'a6pLWE) IUI IEuI6IJo PPIA 46IH IXZO£ 3V89n94 dH
was no Information in hardcpy from HTN at point of handover regardbng the number and Klenw of subscribers.. Four new trustees have been elected, two ofwhom are severely sight impaired. Look-UK Look-UK rent an ofFa at HVLtO fun administrative functions, and we are working with them to expand their operations in Herefordshire. We are keen to work on the transition from statutory education1p1aMents into aduivtertiary education or work, including the complementary seniices that HVL can offer. We benefit from having the Sensory Team based in one building, accessK)le through Ihe Resour Centre- we share many clients, and it is atpropriate that we are able to croSs-Iey intemally, among *aff who work very well together. We are able to effectNely assist GInts wf(h epp1EanS that are of benefi't across both communiiies, particulaty telephony and use of IT. Ald$ and Appllan¢es ITe¢hnology We have successfully managed the client transition to DlgitaVBluetooth hearing appliances supporting technology- certain eqLtipment makes sharing I1g space wtth a Yulty hearing. client more b8arable - eg volume of television or aud eqsjipment can be sel very low with the use of Bluetooth feeds to hearing d$. We have installed Sever blue-tooth appliartes in contexts where one or other paty can be frustraled by the limiiations of old technology. We are also able to assist clients wth the accessibility sothvare available on SMART technology - especially televisions, if the bluelooth ftware is insialled. If rM)t, we provide the appliance and the software- often Gontrolled by a nbIle App. NHS Low Vlslon Scheme The Low Vision Scheme includes assessmeN of visually impaired seM¢e users. and supply of non-digital magnifiers and other non-digilal visual aids to support activilies of daity liwng. Access to low vision services is not dependent on certification of visual impairment as people are better able to use low viston aids rf they are able to access them as soon as possible. HVL refers to the LVS If the client would benefit from non- DKJital equipment that would be issued free under the NHS LVS. The Selv is provided through BBR Oplometry, Andraw Jelley {Bromyard and T8ntwry), Hayward and Miller (Ledbury) and Scotts {Kington and Ross on Wyel. Feedback and Cllent Oplnlons Clients who are dealt with through the Sensory Team are wntacted around one momh following lMpletE0n of the care plan actions to secure feedback on the inputs made by HVL. The questionnaire is #andard acr¢)ss all servi¢9 users and covers hard and outcomes. Mrs R was so impressed with TOMS vistt. She gave him a fimi 11Y1011 Gill very happy with TOMÈ visit. She is awwp of HVL and will be in contact if anything ch8ng8s for her. Very happy overall with contact from HVL and Tom's inFXrt. Loves her talkirvJ kx)oks from RNIB. Very happy with TOMÈ vtsit but has had a think about 8pptying forAA and a BB - have let Tom know so he can make the follow up for Trfeal for these I spoke to Mrs G's son, T8ry. as Mrs G has impaired hearfng and cannot take calls very wel1. Terry was very impressed wtih Tom's home visit to hls mothèr and will be in touch again If Mrs G needs anything els8 from HVL. Mary Wh8s notyet tk98n lSted as 8w8iting notification fom? VEU. I will emwl Liv to chase up. She was refertBd by BBR- Nick Rumney. Mary so happyand impressed with Tomg visits And has vlsited us in the past so knows where we are ifneed8d in the future. So gtstefvl for our help and pmducts ceIV6d. Miss K has since bought a private hearing aid which is worklng for her very well. She did not like the NHS ones. Tom Sat wtih her when DWP visited to assess for AA- which she now has been awarded. Client very happy wtth our servtce and talk&Y very highly indeed about Tom's visit. Daclined coffee morning club at present but can still use the bus to get into town when needed. No need for HTN a5 (2n manage printed paper.
F very happy with the LISB player and now gethng book% from RNIB. Sh& has purchased new. private h8aring aids which she is verypleased about. Mrs F very Iw>y indeed th TOMÈ input and conwnunication. F would like to ty HTN and coffee mornings run by HVL. Fis happy to ceive HfN. Happy with Tom visit but does fall asleep during RNIB lalking books! Not confident to attend coffee momings at present but will consider them in the futur8. Mrs J is very happy wlth service provided and thought Tom lovety. I have added her name to the coffee morning list and will text her monthty to remind her when they are. She is wanting to use the bus to get to Hereford from Leominster from where she lives in a fiat. Not interested in HTN. Has yet to contact BBR regarding Low vlsbn esSMent. Mr S has dryAMD but did not know what it was. l exPlned to him on the phone. He do not lik8 the sound of memory sticks ftir talkng bo(s so i am sending him some CDS to ty. Vwy happy wrlh Tom¥ visit- 101101 Rog as SSI. Has been to BBR and as a result ofthi4 his wlfe is also hawng h8r ayes tested at the same pl8c8. Veryhappy with Tom& visiLwillow Volunteers HVL enjoys the SUPPOrt of a large body of volunte6rs, who support clntS in domiciliary contexts as well as at events and activities. induding the craft group, reading group, braille learners group, willow weaving group. crochet group, Ix)ffee club, external visits. race meetings, skiitles evenings and centre-based membership events. Volunteers provide clients V4ilh continuty of attenlion, partlar in Nral areas, and self-organised social groups meet In Ledlxjry and Ross of Wye, supported by Ihe central team at HVL Thiste8s The Trustae Board has totdly revised the whole suite of Organisational Policies, spearheaded by Glynn Bailey, who has significant experien in this area. The result is a coherent and readable policy structure that reflects best practise across the various strands of organisational aclivty. There is a programme of remedial work to the building being undertaken, which should improve the environrY*nt in some areas and give assurance as to the safety and secuiity of the premises. We are replacing a boiler from the 1970's wikh a new Condenng boiler, for the top bvo floors ol the premises. The boiler for the ground and first floors was renewed around 5 years a. following failure of the prevk)us appliance. Glynn Bailey ehaiy of Truste0$ John Eden Chtef Executive
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Processing times at wvr (NHS) for CVI r8ferrdts to Herefordshire wlon Links TIME GAP 0112024 0412024 0712024 1012024 1312024 1612024 19/2024 2212024 2512024 2812024 3112024 3412024 3712024 4(V2024 4312024 4W2024 49/2024 5212024 5512024 5812024 61r2024 6412024 67/2024 7012024 7312024 7612024 7912024 8212024 8512024 88A)24 9112024 9412024 9712024 10012024 10312024 10612024 10912024 112r2024 11512024 8w6d&) 17w Sd 12h 2&v4d1 35w 4d
Client Feedback All client are telephoned and asked to give feedback across ttE following standard questions, including a'score. relating to the service that has been prowded. including comment upon the Care Plan drawn up between the seTvi¢e user and the Rehab and Mobility Servic&. HIIL Sensory Impairment Semce Client Satisfaction and Feedback Questtonnaire Question Were you Happy wilh your personal care plan arKI the activities and services proVed with i Where you happy that the team explained seThices and have provthd erM)ugh information or referred you to other organisatrcms rf relevan Did the sensory team arfive at the appointed time that was stated? Where you satisfied th the wality of information provided to you. and do you feel better inforined about the seNices H.V.L offer 23 23 23 23 22 H.V.L Where you happy with the equipment provided? and was 23 lis use fully explained to you L)0 you feel that yw better inforn about Ihe equipment 23 available to you? Do you feel safer within your home as a results of the sensory team working with you Do you generally feel more o)nfident in your mobili Oo you generally feel more irKlependent and able to cope 17 with daily l¥ving. issue 23 Work Plan l Timascalos The Sensory Team does not have a waiting list across èither disclpllne, currently. Wision Imp•red From date of lpt of a CVI (or next working day. if a weekend) to initial dlent contact is around 2448 hours. with the fastest tumaround of CVI - domiciliary visit- assessment issue of equipment being as low as 6 days (which inevitably includes a weekendl) We respond to equiprnent retums and exchanges within 24 houTS of request, and offer coll*(ion, postal delivery. free retum label or client can drop items off at Vision Links. EquIpnt needing specialist attention (eg talking watcks} can usually bè turned around within 5 days, with a loan device available for the client in the meanwhlle. Hearing Impaired From date of referral. initial corrtact is made within 24 hours and domiciliary visit is arranged - subjact to the equipment being 'in stock, we can often m8et client requirements on one visit, but this very much depends on the type and age of hearing aid Jped to them (If they wear aids.}
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