Learning together: Fairburn Vale’s British Sign Language (BSL) class

The team at Fairburn Vale has launched something truly special - a British Sign Language (BSL) class designed to bring colleagues and residents together in learning and communication.

Led by the home’s BSL Champion, Jess, and Occupational Therapist, Emma, the initiative was born from a shared passion for improving communication in the home.

Jess, a valued colleague who is profoundly deaf without her hearing aids, expressed a personal interest in learning BSL, alongside several residents who also wanted to develop this skill.

In an effort to make the class both fun and accessible, the team decided to host weekly sessions using short YouTube videos as a guide.

This format allowed everyone - whether colleagues or residents - to learn at their own pace, in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The first session was a huge success, covering essential everyday phrases such as ‘Hello,’ ‘How are you?’ and ‘Thank you.’

Jess and Emma have been instrumental in making each class interactive and enjoyable. The group takes time after each session to practice and discuss any challenges, ensuring that everyone feels confident before moving on to new signs.

“We didn’t just watch the videos - we practiced together as a group,” says Emma, who adds that seeing everyone’s enthusiasm and engagement was incredibly rewarding.

Katie Leonard, Home Manager at Fairburn Vale, couldn’t agree more:

The impact of the BSL classes is already visible in the daily interactions across the home.

After the session, the group has been using the new phrases in casual conversations, creating an inclusive atmosphere where communication barriers are being broken down.

To stay updated on how the sessions are going, follow Fairburn Vale on Facebook - or read more about our care.