We deliver cost effective practical life changing support for disabled people.
Who We Support
From small but practical adjustments, advice on assistive technology, to helping individuals navigate essential government services, we support Disabled People to maintain their ability to make informed choices.
We also help to break down the barriers they face through training businesses to be aware of issues faced, introducing British Sign Language into the Welsh education system and supporting businesses to employ a more diverse workforce.
From our clients
“They are always readily available, and support is always there for me.”
“When I look back if I wasn’t given that support, I wouldn’t be where I am now, so I am really thankful.”
“Makes us more appreciative of people with hearing difficulties…”
Our holisitic approach is both cost effective and sustainable
Our expert services work together to support clients, empowering them to make informed decisions and maintain their independence. Working closely with DWP, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Vision Support, Audiology, Social Services and funders we maximise the impact we make.
The support can range from making a phone call to book an MOT for a Deaf client to corresponding with government agencies on their behalf. Another team supports disabled clients to move closer to employment, building their resilience, identifying their strengths and providing practical support with the application process, again giving our clients greater agency and independence.
We offer a range of training to businesses and organisations, supporting them to understand and address the needs of their customers with sensory loss.
Some of our achievements
Live Well supported 660 people and carried out 3137 interventions
60% of the North Wales Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community supported by COS
Supported 111 disabled people improve their job prospects
Download our reports
Our Funders
Funding Opportunities
Having demonstrable impact with our holistic, people centred approach we are looking to partner with Funders to replicate our success and supporting many more vulnerable people over the next five years.
Expanding our services, broadening our customer base whilst building on our successes in education, health and wellbeing.
Governance
COS represents Disabled people and people with a sensory loss and seeks to ensure that their needs are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. The organisation also recognises the importance of people with traditional business skills and individuals are approached to stand for election to The Board when a skills gap appears.
Most trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charity and are encouraged to take part in events that are run each year. During induction, new trustees also undergo training as our staff, as detailed in the Annual Report.
Current members are from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.
The day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Management Team who are responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified to a high standard.
Our Services in Detail
Our range of specialist services to support our clients to overcome the barriers they face in their everyday life while supporting other organisations to reduce those barriers.
Training, Education and Consultancy
Skills to understand the needs of people with a Sensory Loss and to communicate with people who are Deaf or have a hearing loss.
Media
Ensuring in person and online services are accessible to all.
Join the Board of Trustees
Empower people with COS. We are recruiting to a number of voluntary positions to join our Board of Trustees.
Current members of the Board of Trustees are from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. The day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Management Team who are responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified to a high standard. The Team is also responsible for the supervision of other staff, ensuring that they continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.
Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we want you to get in touch, especially if you have skills in:
As a trustee you will have:
- Induction, training & reimbursable expenses
- Opportunities to make strategic decisions & develop new skills
- Opportunities to network with senior professionals
- Influence to shape innovative projects
- The chance to improve health & wellbeing of people & communities
The expected time commitment is six Trustee meetings per year in person or online.
For more information
Accreditation & Memberships
Partners
Leadership Team
Christine Jones
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Sarah Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Simon Shutler
Finance Director
Stephanie Evans
Director of Business Support Services
John Evans
Director of Media, Communication & Training