When ex-gent’s hairdresser Carole Fountain got busy with her scissors, making small talk with some of her regular customers required a new approach.
That’s not because they weren’t chatty, but simply deaf or hard of hearing. However, instead of smiling in silence, she opted to learn more about sign language and was soon passing the time of day with her clients.
Now nine years later she is about to embark on an advanced signing course, inspired by the need to improve facilities for deaf folk keen to sample the rustic charms of Chopwell Woodland Park, Tyne and Wear’s biggest wood.
Carole lives in Chopwell with her husband, Paul, who is the Chairman of the Friends of Chopwell Wood. Every year the group links up with the Forestry Commission to stage a host of public events, ranging from conservation days to den building.
Last year for the first time, Carole offered communications support to deaf people wanting to join some of these, with the result that many more folk took part. Now this free service is being expanded for 2008. This year’s packed what’s on guide includes a dozen events where signing will be available, including bush craft and children’s adventure days.
Carole said:
“We want everyone to have fun in the woods, whatever their abilities. After giving up hairdressing I had time on my hands and one day opened the paper and saw a local signing course advertised. So I decided to give it a go. Since then I’ve done lots more training, recently sponsored by the Friends, which has been incredibly rewarding, helping me to forge lots of new friendships. From having no deaf people at our woodland events, we now have quite a few, including youngsters and older folk. Everyone mucks in together and at the end of the day hearing people discover they have become more deaf aware without even realising it, which can only be a good thing.”
Julie Stephenson, from Becoming Visible, a Newcastle-based deaf-led charity, who has also taken part in signed Chopwell activities, said:
“My two deaf children and I took part in the bushcraft event at Chopwell and we all learned a lot about the outdoors away from the bustle of the fast-moving world. My children have already asked about the next event and I have volunteered for conservation activities! It is good to have this kind of activity led by someone who can sign herself. Carole is attending Becoming Visible's Entry to Pre-Advanced British Sign Language course and it is good that she is giving something back to the deaf community through her work.”
Richard Gilchrist, Forestry Commission Chief Ranger, added:
“We need to make our woods more accessible so everyone can benefit for the wonderful natural environment. Deafness is a very common disability and it’s reckoned about 9 million people in the UK are either deaf or hard of hearing. So there’s a real need to cater for their needs and offering signing is a good way to start.”
To find out more about which events offer communication support please go to www.jadz.demon.co.uk/focw. But you’ll need to book Carole in advance by contacting caroleinthewoods@btinternet.com or text 0776 1452440, leaving contact details.
You can also go online at www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland to discover out more about great day’s out in the region’s woods.
NOTE TO EDITOR
Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351, 0775 367 0038.