Action Deafness’ HearNow project will be setting up our first Coffee Morning primarily for people from BME communities who have a hearing loss, and who would like the opportunity to spend some time with people in similar situations to them. The Coffee Mornings will be the first of their kind in Leicester, and will run fortnightly on Wednesday mornings at 10.00am to 12.30pm. Initially they will be based at the Peepul Centre, in their bright and spacious ground floor Cafe where a wide selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks are available to buy, and then depending on the wishes of the growing group, could continue there or move to a more appropriate venue.

The aim is to provide people with a hearing loss (so either deaf or hard of hearing people) from BME backgrounds a time where they can meet others with similar needs, establish friendships, give opportunity to discuss issues, invite speakers if appropriate, learn more about hearing loss, and to discuss what activities or workshops people would be interested in for future weeks. HearNow staff will be around to offer advice and support as and when required.

Car Parking at Peepul Centre is available.

Everyone is welcome.

10.00am – 12.30pm

Wednesday 3th August 2010
Wednesday 17th August 2010
Wednesday 31st August 2010
Wednesday 14th September 2010
Wednesday 28th September 2010

Need to know more information? Please get in touch by emailing to HearNow team at hearnow@actiondeafness.org.uk or text: 07816950186

Future Jobs Fund is organised by the government to help people back into work.

Action Deafness is already giving 20 people the chance to get out of unemployment and take a step closer to finding permanent work. We will be recruiting another 41 people between now and the end of March 2011. Everyone is working for 25 hours a week on a six month contract. It is paid work and jobs are available if you get: Job Seekers Allowance or other work-related benefits and must have been claiming for at least six months or longer. If you are Deaf or Disabled you do not have to wait six months, you can be seen as soon as you start claiming allowances.

The six months with Action Deafness provides valuable experience and the chance to develop your skills or discover new ones. Internal training is provided and most people are taking the chance to get an NVQ as well. If there are jobs available within Action Deafness at the end of the 6 months then people will have the opportunity to apply. Alternatively we will be providing time-out to carry out important job search activity and give assistance to create a CV which demonstrates best skills and experiences.

If you would like to find out more information, you can show this article to your Job Centre personal advisor or alternatively contact us to arrange an informal interview to find out what is available.

At the moment we are looking for three workers to support clients in developing their independence and one of these will need to work in South Leicestershire. Our Hear Now project is still recruiting.

Look out for the next newsletter when we will have the latest vacancies updated and tell you more about some of the work that people are involved in.
Stuart Harrison, tel: 0844 593 4880 or email: stuartharrison@actiondeafness.org.uk

Action Deafness Books will begin its new programme of British Sign Language courses from September including:

Accredited Courses

Signature Level 1 Award in BSL

Signature Level 2 Certificate in BSL

Signature Level 3 NVQ Certificate in BSL (to be confirmed)

Non-accredited Courses

Bitesize BSL (2 hour taster)

Basic BSL (10 week introductory course)

Junior BSL

Prices, dates and times to be confirmed from 12^th July 2010.  For further information contact laurenmetcalfe@actiondeafness.org.uk

Guests enjoying Shirley's fantastic hospitality and gorgeous home made cakes

Following on from the successful Hairy Haggis Event in Edinburgh, Shirley James (Russell’s Mum!) very kindly organised and hosted a “Garden Party” at her house in the Isle of Wight. Shirley made dozens of gorgeous sandwiches and home made cakes and scones, and ran a raffle. Overall Shirley raised a fantastic £310.00 for AD, and the afternoon was enjoyed by 40 people. Thank you for your hard work and continued support Shirley.

I’m sorry to say that the Rutland Water Bike Ride and BBQ has been cancelled due to insufficient numbers and interest.

Thanks

Reminder – the Rutland Water Bike Ride will be taking place on Sunday June 27th 2010 at 10.30am – contact Action Deafness for more information and tickets.

On Saturday 1st May, a group of students and volunteers from South Leicestershire College will climb Mount Snowdon, and all proceeds from their sponsorship will be donated to Action Deafness. We would like to thank them all for agreeing to do this and wish them all the best with the climb. We look forward to hearing all about it and hopefully seeing some photos.

Thank you to all who supported the AD Hairy Haggis Team last night at Little India.  A great night was had by all, and the entertainment by Emma and Russell was fabulous – thank you to you both.  We raised £451.50 – so thank you all once again.