May in Review: A Look Back at Key Events and Updates

May has been such a busy, and emotional month for me.

In April I received devasting news. The sudden, unexpected loss of my dear Mum… The funeral was 7th May. I would like to thank all my clients, their families, and professionals for all their support due to my mum’s passing. Cards and flowers and words of support have been very humbling and appreciated. Thank you for your kindness

Accessible Art

On Saturday 18 May 2024 a client attended the Saul Leiter: An unfinished World exhibition at MK Gallery which was also made accessible by having a BSL Interpreter present.

Respite

There's nothing quite like taking time out to complete a jigsaw puzzle on a rainy day! This was an activity during some respite time for a married deaf couple we support.

Regular Coffee Clubs

A client regularly attends the Milton Keynes Deaf Coffee Club, MK Deaf Zone Afternoon Club and the Aylesbury Deaf Coffee Morning Club, accompanied by Julie and Ewa. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for socialisation and community engagement, allowing the client to connect with other deaf individuals in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Julie and Ewa's presence ensures the client feels comfortable and supported, making these regular outings a highlight of their week.

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks

Support worker Julie and a client attended a BSL showing of The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at The Lightroom in London on Wednesday, 15 May 2024. This was the third in a series of four BSL accessible showings, featuring BSL interpreter Ramon Woolfe and enhanced subtitles. Martin Glover, a deaf BSL user, architect, and art facilitator, gave a pre-show talk. The client, captivated by the space-themed show with accessible features, enjoyed it so much they watched it twice. The day ended with shopping for an Apollo book and an alfresco lunch at Gail’s Bakery.

Client's Busy Day

Our client has enjoyed a variety of activities including visiting the gym with Ewa, our Deafblind Communicator Guide.

Pure Gym allows companions to guide / assist people by filling out a PEEP form. This enables clients to have extra assistance at gyms which has been especially useful to our Deafblind client as this gives her full accessibility to the gym.

Later that day, Ewa and our client enjoyed a clay modelling session.

Ewa said ‘we make the clay and roll it to the shape we want then we let it dry, we then will paint it.’

To finish the day our client also enjoyed having her nails painted by Ewa. They enjoyed a ‘girly’ afternoon.

Deaf Awareness Week 06 May – 12 May 2024

The theme this year was Celebrating Love and Trust

As a deaf-owned and deaf-led business, we are deeply committed to supporting the deaf community in meaningful ways. During Deaf Awareness Week from 06 May to 12 May 2024, with the theme "Celebrating Love and Trust," we highlighted our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment as we do for every other day of the year. Our initiatives include finding employment opportunities for deaf individuals, ensuring accessibility through the use of my British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, and offering services tailored to meeting the needs of the deaf community.

Following on from this I was invited and proud to be a speaker and represent the deaf community at the Creating a Fairer BLMK event with the ICB panel. 100's of GP, specialists, consultants, helath care professionals attended to hear our lived-in experiences of inequality within the NHS.

The list for May goes on...