Sense Norwich

09/10/2026

Today the UK government published their independent review into mental health conditions, autism and ADHD.

James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of the national disability charity Sense, said:

“Many of the disabled people with complex needs Sense supports are autistic, have ADHD or mental health conditions. Every day, we hear about the barriers they face getting the right support to learn, stay well and find work.

“We should welcome greater recognition and understanding of these conditions, rather than criticising people and families for seeking answers and support.

“For too many disabled people and families, getting a diagnosis has become the only way to access the understanding, adjustments and support they need. People shouldn't have to wait for a diagnosis before getting the support they need.

“We strongly welcome the review's recommendation that support should be based on individual need, rather than diagnosis alone. The Government must now put this principle into practice across education, healthcare, social care and welfare, so disabled people can get the right support at the right time.

“It's also vital that disabled people with the most complex needs aren't overlooked. We welcome the review's focus on better national data and specialist provision for this group. These services must be protected and strengthened as wider reforms are taken forward.

“Ultimately, success shouldn't be measured by the number of diagnoses or shorter waiting lists alone, but by whether disabled people have a better quality of life, more choice and control, and the opportunity to participate fully in education, work, relationships and their communities.”

06/10/2026

Support Sense when you shop at Decathlon UK this October.

As Decathlon UK's Charity of the Year, we're proud to be partnering to support more disabled people with complex needs to access inclusive sport and physical activity.

When you reach the checkout, you'll have the option to make a donation to Sense. Every donation, no matter how small, can help fund life-changing support and inclusive activities that build confidence, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

So, next time you're shopping at Decathlon, please consider adding a donation when you pay.

Together, we can break down barriers so everyone has the power, choice and control to live the life they choose.

02/10/2026

Reports today suggest the government is considering a range of major welfare reforms, including changes to the Universal Credit health element for under-25s alongside increased employment support. These are reported proposals and no decisions have been announced.

Sense is clear: disabled young people should get the support they need to find and stay in work – but not at the expense of their financial security.

We must also recognise that some disabled people will never be able to work. They must have the financial security and support they need to live with choice, dignity and independence.

Government must remove the barriers disabled young people face, not the vital support they rely on.

https://bit.ly/3VoRbFs

02/10/2026

Meet our friend Rosie! She recently smashed our sports day at our Leeds and Wakefield Centre!

From table tennis, snooker and basketball, to badminton and cycling – Rosie and her friends loved getting sporty.

There was energy, enthusiasm and smiles from start to finish, with the fun-filled day leaving a lasting impression.

Emily, the service manager, said: "It was a fantastic day! It was so good to enjoy new activities that we'd not tried before, in our own space. We were all still buzzing about it days after. "

A huge well done to everyone who got involved and helped to make it such a fantastic afternoon.

01/10/2026

The Sense Awards 2026 shortlist is here!

It's the 23rd Sense Awards, our annual celebration of disabled people with complex needs and the communities around them.

We received incredible nominations this year, and our judges had the difficult job of choosing the shortlist. Our judges are broadcast journalist and actor Ruben Reuter, and our Experts by Experience Charlotte, Emma and Scott.

Meet the nominees in each category:
Person of the Year
Young Person of the Year
Family of the Year
Campaigner of the Year
Fundraiser of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Digital Voice of the Year

Their stories are full of courage, determination, kindness and joy. Congratulations to every one of them.

Winners are announced in November on our social media channels so be sure to check back!

Read about the 2026 nominees here: https://www.sense.org.uk/get-involved/sense-awards/sense-awards-2026-shortlist/

30/09/2026

We’re back home from the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, and what a few days it’s been!

This year, Levi, a second-year student at Sense College Loughborough, came along with us. He met with Alan Milburn, who’s leading an independent government review into rising youth unemployment, to talk about his college experience and his plans for the future.

Levi also spoke brilliantly and shared his experiences on a panel called ‘Education for all – how can mainstream inclusion work for disabled children?’

And he still found time to film his experience and share why it’s important for disabled young people with complex needs to have their voices heard and be part of these conversations.

Thank you Levi for coming along, sharing your story and ensuring disabled young people are included in discussions about their education and futures.

You can read more of Levi's story here: https://www.sense.org.uk/blog/taking-my-voice-to-the-labour-party-conference-levis-story/

[Video description: Levi is wearing a purple Sense polo shirt and answers questions directly to camera with a view across the River Mersey behind him. The video also includes shots from throughout the conference including of Levi speaking on a panel, smiling and receiving a round of applause, Levi meeting Alan Milburn, Levi and his mum, Jackie with Sense CEO, James Watson-O'Neill, and shots of a busy conference centre with Labour Party branding.]

29/09/2026

We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to reforming social care and the ambition to make it free at the point of use.

This is a significant moment for disabled people, families and social care workers. Their voices, experiences and expertise must be at the heart of what comes next.

Now we need action alongside ambition, with investment in the care workforce and support services today, while longer-term reforms are developed. Done well, this is an opportunity to build a social care system that helps everyone live more independent, connected and fulfilling lives.

We stand ready to work with government, alongside disabled people, families, care workers, to help build a national care service that works for everyone.

29/09/2026

Great discussion on the future of social care at the Labour Party Conference fringe event: ‘A National Care Service: From Vision to Delivery’.

Thank you to Fabian Society and Joseph Rowntree Foundation for hosting.

James Watson-O'Neill, CEO of Sense, joined Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Care, and fellow panellists to discuss how a National Care Service can deliver more personalised, preventative and sustainable support.

At Sense, we believe social care reform must give disabled people with complex needs greater choice, control and independence. Support should be built around people, not systems, with co-production at its heart.

28/09/2026

We’re at Labour Party Conference this week.

It’s an important opportunity for us to meet with politicians and key decision-makers, and to make sure the voices of disabled people with complex needs are heard.

As well as our CEO, James, and our policy team, we’re joined at the conference by Levi and his mum, Jackie.

Levi is in his second year at Sense College Loughborough and is passionate about raising awareness of the support young people like him need to access education, training, volunteering opportunities and employment.

Here’s what Levi had to say about why being at conference matters to him: "It feels important [to be here]. I've never been to a conference before, but everyone is here to listen to you, and to try and get your voice out into the community and the world, and make everything better."

Pictured - Levi and his mum, Jackie, with Sense CEO James Watson-O'Neill and Alan Milburn. Former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn is leading an independent government review into rising youth unemployment

27/09/2026

The government have announced that thousands of young disabled people are set to be offered a fast-tracked job under the Jobs Guarantee.

We welcome investment that gives more young disabled people the opportunity to get into work.

Too many who want to work are still locked out by barriers, including a lack of appropriate support, inaccessible workplaces and negative attitudes.

These jobs must be accessible, work for the individual and lead to lasting opportunities. Young disabled people need tailored support and inclusive workplaces, and success should be measured not just by how many start a job, but whether they have the support and opportunities to build the future they choose.

Read more here -
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-09-26/thousands-of-disabled-young-people-to-be-offered-work-in-job-guarantee-scheme

23/04/2025

Due to the renovation of Anglia Square we will be closing on the 2nd of May.

To help us get ready for closing all items are now only £1!

We all would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you all for your support for us at Anglia Square and we look forward to seeing you soon❤️

22/03/2025

The recent Government announcements might have left you confused and worried about what is coming next and what it all means, we’ve put together key changes to help.

1. The Government have announced plans to cut Universal Credit for some disabled people, but no one's support will change before their next reassessment. If plans are implemented, then many disabled people could end with a lot less support.

2.The Government is going to make it harder to access PIP – not everyone will be affected by this.

3. You do not need to worry right now, not everyone will be affected and it will take time for this all to come into effect.

4. The Government will have to introduce new laws to make some of the changes, and it will also be asking for feedback from the public before introducing some of the measures. So, we have a chance to tell the Government how we feel, and get them to change their mind.

You can email your MP using our template to tell them how you feel about these changes here: https://action.sense.org.uk/page/167765/action/1?ea.tracking.id=fb-org

We also understand this is a worrying time for a lot of you, if you are worried or if you want to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, Samaritans are available to call for free on 116 123.

31/01/2025

Looking for a way to give something back to your community in 2025? Volunteering with Sense could be the best New Year's resolution you ever make.

As our volunteer, Curtis, puts it “You’ll go home feeling absolutely amazing afterwards”.

Whether you've got an hour or a week to spare, we've got flexible volunteering opportunities that fit around your schedule. Follow the link to find out more about volunteering for Sense. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!

sense.org.uk/volunteering-2025

20/01/2025

BRIC DONATIONS NEEDED!

Here at Sense Norwich we are always in need of any Bric-a-Brac you may be willing to donate.
So, if you have any ornaments, dinner sets, tea sets, household items, electricals, or unique items please box/bag them and drop them in store.

💚

21/12/2024

For the days when you need piece & quiet. Why not pop into Sense in Norwich for all your fishing wonders.

Christmas opening hours:

24th Dec - 09:00 - 15:00
25th Dec - CLOSED
26th Dec - CLOSED
27th Dec - 09:00 - 17:00
28th Dec - 09:00 - 17:00
29th Dec - 10:00 - 16:00
30th Dec - 09:00 - 16:00
31st Dec - 09:00 - 15:00
1st Jan - CLOSED

22/11/2024

09/10/2024

Did you know aside from a fantastic range of pre-loved donated items we also have a superb selection of new good products too?

From kids toys, to winter essentials this is just a small selection of what we have for you in-store.

Why not visit us in Anglia Square today?

We can’t wait to see you 😄