Cash boost helps deafblind charity build on the future

Deafblind Scotland has received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes West Scotland to fund its much needed support services across Scotland.

Set up in 1989, Deafblind Scotland has been fundraising to reach its target to raise £1.8 million to custom build a specialist learning and development centre in East Dunbartonshire called “Field of Dreams” for the 
deafblind community.

Severe dual sensory impairment affects people of all ages in every walk of life with over 5,000 deablind people in Scotland alone.

They face far reaching challenges that make everyday interaction difficult and limit independence, communication, mobility and employment options.

To combat these challenges Deafblind Scotland offer a wide range of vital support services that aim to make the everyday tasks more accessible using assistive technology and highly skilled professionals trained to be the eyes and ears of deaf blind individuals.

Hands-on signing and block-writing on a deafblind person’s palm are just two of the skills practiced by Deafblind Scotland to educate, inform and advise deafblind people on key issues such as welfare, benefits and employment.

Ruth Dorman, Chief Executive Officer, Deafblind Scotland, said: “Persimmon Homes Community Champions grant will support communications and engagement with the deafblind community across Scotland progress developments on our new learning and development centre based in Lenzie.

“Our sincere thanks, on behalf of all at Deafblind 
Scotland.”

Doug Law, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Scotland said: “We are delighted to be donating money to Deafblind Scotland, and wish this national charity all the very best with their continued fundraising efforts.”

Persimmon Homes West Scotland’s Community Champions fund has £2,000 each month to share between two worthy causes to match their fundraising activities.

Doug added: “We have had a fantastic response to the Community Champions scheme.

“If people have previously been unsuccessful, we urge them to apply again and potentially become our next Community Champion.”