PEOPLE living in and around Auchinleck with sight and hearing loss are being invited to a free event that offers them the chance to find out more about equipment and products that can make their day to day lives easier.

The charities, Action on Hearing Loss Scotland and RNIB Scotland, are holding the event on Thursday October 23 from 1.30pm – 4pm in Auchinleck Library.

The charities work together across Ayrshire in a partnership call ALISS- Ayrshire Local Integrated Sensory Service.

As well as finding out about equipment and products there will be a chance to get information about issues relating to sight or hearing loss. There will also be the opportunity for NHS hearing aid wearers to get free hearing aid maintenance with trained volunteers on hand to change hearing aid tubing and batteries.

Joanne Reilly of RNIB Scotland said: “For people with sight loss there is a wide choice of equipment and products that offer support. It can be as simple as a 'talking’ measuring jug or calculator, to audio-book readers and personal navigation devices. These products can mean that people have more confidence in their abilities to operate independently and enjoy a better quality of life.” Donna McSwiggan of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland added: “Hearing loss can be very isolating so having information and knowledge of what is available is very important. Equipment such as smoke alarms, door bells and telephones that are tailored to the needs of people with hearing loss can make a huge difference. We also hope that NHS hearing aid wearers in Auchinleck will take the opportunity to get their hearing aids maintained.”