What happens when communities are given the chance to shape activities they actually want?
“I was just so pleased to have the opportunity to attend this course and very grateful.” These are the words of 80-year-old Margaret (pictured second from the left), who took part in free British Sign Language (BSL) sessions at St. Peter’s Community Centre in Yeovil.
The course was Supported by our Community Organiser Joanna Bogunska and funded through Somerset Community Foundation’s Participatory Grant Project, an initiative which helps turn local ideas into activities designed by, and for, the people who take part.
Funding decisions are made by a panel of local residents who live, work, and volunteer in Westfield. That way, projects and activities – like the BSL course – really match what the community wants and needs.
Alongside 17 other participants, and guided by tutor Janet Thomas, Margaret learned greetings, café conversations and everyday signs. The course offered a way to communicate with others, follow sign language on TV, and stay in touch with a friend. She shared:
“I wanted to learn BSL as a way of communicating with other people and to read sign language on the TV. I have subtitles, but they disappear too quickly before I’ve read them.
“My hearing started to go after my first major stroke 9 years ago. But I’ve had 5 more mini strokes since then and every time I lose a bit more hearing until now when there’s little left.
“Since the course ended, I’ve been recovering from a stroke and broken ankle, as a result, I spent a month in a nursing home. While I was there, I became friends with another deaf woman and thanks to the course, we were able to greet each other at breakfast using BSL.”
Attendee Paul (pictured centre) described why he joined the group:
“Having a deaf nephew, I have long wanted to learn BSL but had not previously had an opportunity. Hopefully I will also have other chances to use what I have learnt.”
Paul is also a volunteer at Chatty Chums, a group of local residents in who meet regularly for tea, coffee and conversation in Birchfield. The sessions often feature topics chosen by the group, and when members discovered that Paul had been attending the BSL course, many expressed a keen interest in learning too.
As a result, Paul and his friend Lucy will now be teaching the group some basic BSL during their session – exactly the kind of ripple effect and lasting impact we hoped for!
Thinking of setting up a project or activity for your community? Our experienced team is here to help. Visit our Get support page to find out how.
“I’ve been recovering from a stroke and broken ankle in a nursing home. While I was there, I became friends with another deaf woman and thanks to the course, we were able to greet each other at breakfast using BSL.”
Margaret, Participant
