The Salvation Army in North Walsham is hosting a monthly Deaf Cafe where members of the hearing and deaf communities can come together to practice their signing skills and share their experiences. The Cafe is run by Wendy Murphy, who has been offering free British Sign Language (BSL) classes at the North Walsham library. Many attendees of these classes were eager to continue practicing their skills, but did not want to travel to Norwich for the monthly Deaf Cafe there. Wendy saw an opportunity to create a similar space in North Walsham to help combat the isolation experienced by the deaf community.
With the support of Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey, the Salvation Army in North Walsham agreed to host the monthly Deaf Cafe at their hall. The cafe has been popular since it started in January, with around 20 people attending each month. North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker even attended and spent time learning BSL. The cafe is not only a place for practicing signing skills, but also a way to connect with others who use sign language. Wendy and the attendees are even working on learning a Christmas Carol as a thank you to the Salvation Army.
Ruth Morey mentioned that the church has previously hosted a sign language course that was well attended by people from other churches and Salvation Army members. They hope to run another course later in the year. The church also holds a coffee morning on Thursdays with a conversational table for the deaf community to chat over tea and cake. Plans are in place for a signed carol service at Christmas as a way to further promote inclusivity within the church. The Deaf Cafe is just one of the ways the Salvation Army in North Walsham is reaching out to the deaf community and providing a supportive space for learning and connection.
Overall, the Deaf Cafe at the Salvation Army in North Walsham is providing a valuable resource and gathering place for the deaf community in the area. By offering a space to practice signing skills, share experiences, and connect with others who use sign language, the cafe is helping to combat feelings of isolation often experienced by the deaf community. With plans for future sign language courses and a signed carol service at Christmas, the Salvation Army is actively working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with hearing impairments in the North Walsham area.
