Young leaders give local business owner an introduction to sign language

A town centre business owner recently had the chance to learn basic sign language thanks to the help of young leaders from the TCC at St Christopher’s School.

The group, who met with Andy Gallanders at Bank Street Social, are campaigning to increase the use of sign language in schools and across the wider community.

This is an issue the group are extremely passionate about. Having attended school with Lewis – their classmate who is deaf – they have taken it upon themselves to learn to sign so they can include him in everyday life.

They empathise with his frustration in accessing basic amenities and want to see Wrexham become more inclusive.

With support and training from charity, TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/ Together Creating Communities), the young leaders have gathered evidence, met with Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, and written to local schools.

Their work has led to change in their own school’s policy, introducing a new ‘introduction to sign language’ for all new staff.

Their recent meeting with Bank Street Social has come as the group call on local businesses to become more sign language friendly.

BSL user, Lewis commented: “I was really happy that Andy was learning sign. Now I have a place in town I can go to and order something by myself.”

Andy added: “Learning sign language has been something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

“Learning directly from these young people was inspirational. They had so much passion, and more importantly, patience.

“Mr Long left me homework, alphabet and key coffee shop words. I am really looking forward to another visit.”