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LATEST NEWS

Easter Party 2008

Easter Party was organised by the Family Centre and Bristol Young Deaf People's Services and attended by 35 children at Centre for Deaf People, Bristol. Mums and Dads brought party food and drinks for the Easter buffet and they stayed and chatted with the others. 3 Deaf mums made tea & coffee for other parents and provided squash for the children. 5 young Deaf people aged from 14 years to 17 years led the games enjoyed by the children.

Have a look at some photos of the day.

10 Pin Bowling Event

21 families with deaf children (80 people altogether) went to 10 pin bowling at Hollywood Bowl in Bristol on 10th February 2008. An excellent afternoon enjoyed by all. Everyone had great fun.

Have a look at some photos of the day.

BSL Poetry & Music fun workshops

22 D/deaf children and their brothers & sisters enjoyed BSL Poetry & Music fun workshops led by Richard Carter and Danny Lane. The children created imaginative signing story in BSL Poetry workshop and made a lot of very loud noises especially drumming during music workshop! They showed a short musical performance about the weather.

8 mums, 4 dads and 3 grandmas a talk by Dr Gary Morgan on research into communication in child’s early life and how children learn about mentalising and also some research deaf children’s development of these skills. Gary is a researcher/lecturer at a university in London and also a co-director of Deafness, Cognition and Language (DCAL). A discussion followed by Gary's talk was led by a couple of parents on other parents expriences with their deaf children.

Here is a comment from Tina Walburton who is a mum of 11 years old Jack. Jack is Deaf with additional needs:

"I would like to say I found the talk very interesting and it was good to hear other parents views as well and a chance to meet and talk with other parents and Jack enjoyed the music workshop he had great fun and it was a chance for him to meet and play with other deaf children."

Have a look at some photos of the day.

KIDS’ SIGN CLASS CONTINUES TO THRIVE

Due to popular demand, the sign class for hearing children (siblings and friends of deaf children) has continued this Spring! The class runs on a Monday evening at Staple Hill Methodist Church, and there are still places available. The class will run up to the Easter holidays, and is very informal – fun and games! If your child would like to attend, please contact the Family Centre for more information.

"I am India's dad and I just wanted to say a big thank you for all of your time and effort for the Monday night class at Staple Hill.

I am thrilled that there is an extension to your class and I am more than happy to make a contribution for your time.

I think that it is amazing how much all of the children have come on by the way you have taught them, it's certainly been a huge bonus to India and her confidence.

It means a lot to me for her to be able to communicate with her friends Aaron and Bethany; they spend a lot of time together and will continue to do so in the future.

I too have enjoyed learning something new, although I am afraid I am not as good as the kids. Thank you."

Nic Collins (Dad of 6 years old India)

SIGN CLASSES

Parents – BSL Support Group Thursday 10 a.m. – 12Noon held at Elmfield School with Monica Cherryson until Easter Term Time only.

Emersons Green Grandparent Class Monday Evenings 6.30p.m – 8.00p.m at Emersons Green Village Hall From Mon 11th Feb for 14 weeks no class on 17th, 24th March or May Bank Holidays. Tutor Ray Hampshire. Please check with FCDC Office as this popular class may be full.

B&s;NES Grandparent &s; Relatives Sign Group – Will be starting again after Easter on Tuesday Evenings at St. John Baptist Church Hall, Tutor Louise Pocock. FFI or to book a place please contact FCDC Office.

LEARN TO SIGN

Our popular sign classes for relatives of Deaf children have spaces available.

Keynsham

This group meets on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-8pm during term-time, and still has spaces available in the group that re started in September. We would like to thank Bristol Centre for Deaf People for their support in providing the funding for this

Financial Support for parents learning BSL

Parents of deaf children who reside in Bristol, BANES and North Somerset and wish to do BSL classes should contact Bill Martin at the Centre for Deaf People to discuss their needs, currently Level 1 and 2 are usually funded.  Tel: 01179249868 or email bill.martin@centrefordeaf.org.uk.

Parents in South Glos should contact Christine Brown on tel: 01454 865217 or Linda Wood on 01454 866256.  They should be able to assist in seeking funds for BSL 1 courses for parents of deaf children.