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Imagine walking through a garden or sharing a meal without the ability to smell or taste – everyday moments like these become profoundly altered when you have a sensory impairment.
Fifth Sense, a charity dedicated to supporting people with smell and taste impairments, shines a light on the significant physical, mental, and emotional impacts these conditions have on people's lives.
“Our sense of smell plays a significant role in our memory, mood, and emotions,” they share, emphasizing how the loss or distortion of smell can lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation.
Beyond emotional and mental health impacts, the inability to smell or taste affects daily life in unexpected ways such as losing the pleasure of food and drink, missing out on the sensory experiences of celebrations, like Christmas dinners or wedding breakfasts, or even the safety implications of not detecting smoke or gas. These losses alter fundamental aspects of life.
In this Event Spotlight, we delve into Fifth Sense’s mission and learn more about how they create awareness on smell and taste disorders one event at a time.
When COVID-19 hit, Fifth Sense embraced a new challenge: building a digital community amidst restrictions.
Utilizing Eventcube’s online booking platform, they transformed their outreach, launching online events like LetsTalkSmellAndTaste webinars, peer support groups, and more.
"The online booking platform Eventcube proved to be an invaluable tool," they state, which not only broadened their reach but also connected individuals across geographical barriers. This helped members to support each other and build stronger community ties.
As restrictions eased, Fifth Sense continued their community work by combining online events with in-person gatherings. Such a hybrid experience created a platform that’s accessible to more people, including those who may not be able to attend physical events due to geographic or health barriers.
It was transformative! It helped Fifth Sense secure lottery funding for a social action project to establish local support groups across England.
“This initiative aims to establish local groups across England, creating a tangible community presence while maintaining strong connections through online events,” they explain.
The hybrid strategy has enhanced accessibility and the feeling of community for those affected. It also attracted volunteers.
"The hybrid model of engagement has made volunteering more flexible and accessible," Fifth Sense notes.
It was essential to them that volunteers are provided the option to contribute in various capacities – whether online or in person – through virtual workshops, organizing local events, or offering peer support. This diverse and flexible approach has created a more robust support network for their mission.
Educating the public about smell and taste disorders is no easy feat.
"Many individuals are unaware of the profound impact that losing or altering these senses can have on daily life," Fifth Sense shares.
To bridge this gap, they host educational events with medical experts, interactive Q&A sessions, and personal stories that demystify the conditions and break down the stigma. It is through these event efforts that they make the community feel more supported and understood.
The most moving aspect of Fifth Sense’s work is the feedback from their beneficiaries, like one participant who shared: “For once, [I was] not treated like a nuisance or just someone who’s moaning.”
Others spoke of finding comfort and understanding: “It’s been very nice to talk to people in the same situation.”
Another expressed relief in not feeling alone: “Thank you all very much. Very helpful, I’m not alone.”
These stories combined are a testament to the organization’s impact and the critical importance of its mission. It is also the feedback the organization needs to continue and expand its work.
Looking ahead, Fifth Sense envisions leveraging technology to expand its reach and impact through online workshops, volunteer training, and a broader hybrid event model.
They plan to enhance digital offerings, such as online workshops and training sessions for volunteers, and expand the frequency and geographic spread of in-person gatherings through their social action project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
"This comprehensive approach will not only increase awareness and understanding but also provide greater support," they say, underscoring their commitment to empowering those affected by smell and taste disorders.
Journey with Fifth Sense in realizing their goal to establish support groups for people with smell and taste disorders.
Donate here: https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/fifth-sense/donation-amount.
Follow them online on Facebook, X, & Instagram.
Become a volunteer: https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/join/.
Secure tickets to their events: https://fifth-sense.eventcube.io/
