People in Waveney who suffer from sight and hearing loss can take advantage of a new resource centre which will help them to live an independent life.

Yesterday the Sensing Change resource centre was officially opened in Rotterdam Road.

Run by the social enterprise Sensing Change, the centre is for adults with visual or hearing problems who want practical advice, rehabilitation and support.

People can refer themselves or be referred there so they can find out how to live independently, from learning how to make a cup of tea safely to finding out about specially adapted easy to use electrical goods, such as radios.

It has a kitchen where people can learn how to cook and make drinks safely, with equipment such as liquid level indicators and a speaking microwave, and pick up tips, such as not using a white cup on a white surface.

The centre will also provide social work and home assessments to improve people's lives.

It is the first centre of its kind Suffolk-based Sensing Change, which was set up a year ago as a pilot project for people with sight and hearing loss, has opened in the county.

On Thursday the resource centre is holding an open day between 10am and 3pm as part of National Eye Health Week.

People will be able to meet professionals who support people in Suffolk with all aspects of sight loss and get advice.

Sensing Change staff will be joined by East Suffolk Association for the Blind, Guide Dogs UK, who coordinate the My Guide Scheme, the Lowestoft & Waveney Disablement Information and Advice Line.

Experts will also be on hand from Enabling Technology, which provides smart phones and iPads for the visually impaired.

For information on the Sensing Chance Resource Centre call 01502 217 079.