The overarching ambition of Manchester City Council’s Sensory Team is to create a fully inclusive city where individuals with sensory impairments can live independently, confidently, and with dignity. We strive to break down barriers, reduce inequalities, and ensure that deaf, visually impaired, and dual sensory loss residents have equal access to opportunities, services, and community life. Through compassionate, person-centred support and collaborative working, we aim to empower every individual to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, regardless of their sensory needs.

The Manchester City Council Sensory Team operates within a framework of national and local policies, standards, and best practices to ensure high-quality, person-centred care. Key frameworks and guidelines that apply to the service include:

1. Care Act 2014 – This is the primary legislation guiding adult social care in England. It places a duty on local authorities to promote individual well-being, prevent needs for care and support, and ensure that people can access information and advice, including those with sensory impairments.
2. Equality Act 2010 – This act ensures that individuals with disabilities, including sensory impairments, are protected from discrimination and have equal access to services and opportunities.
3. Local Authority Adult Social Care Policies – Manchester City Council’s own policies and procedures, including safeguarding, assessment, and equipment provision protocols, guide the Sensory Team’s day-to-day operations
4. Deafblind Guidance (Care and Support for Deafblind Children and Adults) – This statutory guidance outlines how local authorities should identify, assess, and support individuals with dual sensory loss.
5. Rehabilitation and Mobility Training Standards – These are professional standards followed by rehabilitation officers to support visually impaired individuals in developing independent living and mobility skills.
6. Assistive Technology and Equipment Provision Guidelines – These ensure that the right aids and adaptations are assessed, provided, and maintained appropriately.

We are a non-emergency service that supports adults aged 18 and over who are experiencing hearing loss, vision impairment, or dual sensory loss. Individuals do not need to be registered with a GP in Manchester to access our service; however, they must be residents of Manchester and pay council tax to Manchester City Council. Our service is specifically for those whose hearing or vision cannot be corrected by standard aids such as glasses or lenses, and who are either British Sign Language (BSL) users or registered with a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). Our dedicated social work team also responds to safeguarding concerns and mental capacity referrals, ensuring individuals receive the appropriate support and protection.

Our service offers a range of support for adults aged 18 and over with hearing loss, vision impairment, or dual sensory loss. We focus on promoting independence, safety, and well-being through tailored assessments, equipment provision, and collaborative support planning. Social Work Service Our team includes two specialist social workers with expertise in sensory loss. They support individuals facing complex care needs, safeguarding concerns, or mental capacity issues related to their hearing or vision. Working alongside social care assessors, they carry out strength-based assessments to identify unmet needs and develop personalised support plans. These plans are created in collaboration with the individual, their family, and relevant services or organisations to ensure the most appropriate and empowering outcomes.

Social Care and Equipment Assessment
Social care assessors conduct home visits to assess the suitability of sensory equipment and identify any unmet needs that may affect a person’s safety or independence. Using a strength-based approach, they work with the individual and their support network to co-develop a support plan. Equipment may include:

• For hearing loss: Devices to assist with hearing the doorbell, telephone, TV, smoke alarms, and CO2 detectors.
• For vision loss: Tools to support daily living, such as talking clocks, safe kettle tippers, and glare-reducing aids.

Visual Impairment Rehabilitation
Our Rehabilitation Officers provide specialist assessments and create customised rehabilitation programmes. These may include:

• Orientation and mobility training
• Daily living skills
• Advice and emotional support All plans are developed in partnership with the individual to ensure their goals and preferences are central to the process.

Sensory Equipment Fitting Team
This in-house team installs, tests, and repairs deaf alerting equipment for individuals living in privately rented or owner-occupied homes. Their work ensures that equipment is functioning correctly and safely.

Link Worker Service
Our Link Workers offer advice and support on:

• Welfare rights and benefits
• Housing and grant funding
• Debt management They also help individuals access wider Council services and refer to external organisations such as Manchester Deaf Centre, Henshaws, RNIB and Citizens Advice.

Service Hours
The Sensory Team is available: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm.
We are not available on weekends or Bank Holidays.

Out-of-hours contact: Please contact the Manchester City Council Contact Centre at 0161 234 5001.

Location
Manchester City Council – Sensory Team
Hulme District Office
323 Stretford Road
Hulme Manchester
M15 4UW

Contact Details

• Telephone: 0161 227 3901
• Minicom: 0161 274 4655 (Option 2)
• Email: sensory.admin@manchester.gov.uk

To refer someone to the Sensory Team, please contact the Manchester City Council Contact Centre:

• Telephone: 0161 234 5001
• Email: mcsreply@manchester.gov.uk
• BSL Users: Visit www.manchester.gov.uk and search for Sign Video to access BSL interpretation services.

For Advice and Information
You can also contact the Sensory Team directly:

Sensory Team
Manchester City Council
Hulme District Office
323 Stretford Road,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 4UW

• Telephone: 0161 227 3901
• Minicom: 0161 274 4655 (Option 2)
• Email: sensory.admin@manchester.gov.uk