E n g l a n d N o . Hear for You J U L Y 2 0 1 6 Jumping out of a plane EU Referendum Friendship Circle Summer Party and much more... G D A i s a R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y i n 1 0 1 5 9 3 7 a n d a C o m p a n y L i m i t e d b y G u a r a n t e e 2 6 9 2 7 1 8 www.gda.org.uk
Welcome Dear GDA friends and supporters, Some days in the GDA office it feels as though there is barely time even to catch our breath. First we say hi to David and Sam B, who have already been busy for an hour setting up the community centre and making everywhere shipshape. Then it's grab a quick coffee or tea, whilst Mary and Sue are checking messages and taking the first of what could be fifty calls in a single day; Gem gets busy on social media and nurturing our ever growing number of supporters; by 9.15am Emma is sprinting off to do her morning visits to install listening aid equipment; Sam Q is rushing to her first hearing-aid re-tubing clinic; Reg is taking a Skype call or enjoying the first of his several snacks of the day (how DOES he stay so slim, given how much he eats?!); James and Hannah are busy too on BSL interpreting assignments; and I am invariably getting ready for my first meeting of the day or settling down to write the next grant application. The kind of workload we manage each week can be colossal. And yet there are very special moments too when you realise what makes it all worthwhile. I can think of two recent ones. The first was a beautiful thank you letter we received from someone after she had been rushed into hospital with suspected meningitis and we had been able to provide a BSL interpreter in double-quick time to be by her side as she underwent not one but four lumbar puncture tests, which thankfully revealed she had a less serious form of the disease. The second was when GDA was selected as one of three finalists for the first ever Charity Governance Awards and I and two GDA Board members enjoyed a trip to London for what proved to be a very prestigious event - more about that further on in the newsletter. Enjoy reading this latest newsletter from GDA, and thank you for continuing to support the important work we do. Best wishes, Jenny Jenny Hopkins, Chief Executive JOIN US ON Facebook GDAGlos Twitter @glosdeaf Linkedin Gloucestershire Deaf Association Youtube GDAGlosDeaf GET IN TOUCH Telephone 01452 372999 Mobile GDA is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4pm Colin Road, Barnwood, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 3JL 07875 610860 Email admin@gda.org.uk Website www.gda.org.uk 2
Oshane's story Hi, please introduce yourself I was born in Jamaica and came to Gloucester in 2009 with my mother, brother and sister. I am 22 years old and profoundly deaf. I use both BSL (British Sign Language) and ASL (American Sign Language) when I communicate. Do you have a job? I work in the café at Robinwood Hill Country Park in Gloucester owne by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. I went to National Star College to le the trick of the catering trade and to be qualified to work in the cateri industry. How has GDA helped you at work? GDA has helped me with PLUSS, to get a job in the café where I am n continue to help me to work well with colleagues and customers. GDA provides communication professionals and job coaching. GDA has also set up the new Gloucestershire deaf football team with SoFab and Active Gloucestershire, enabling me to be happy playing with other deaf people What would you like to be in doing in two years? I am not sure what will happen; I would like a full-time job and make more friends. If I save up a lot, I could buy a nice car, a BMW or an Audi, and have a nice home and possibly move back to Jamaica where I know a lot of deaf people there. And finally, tell us a little more about you - what’s your ideal day out in Gloucestershire? It is difficult for me to enjoy a day out in Gloucestershire due to lack of accessibility for me, but I enjoy going to the gym near Barton Street, because it’s a nice small and friendly place, and playing football with other deaf people. GDA shortlisted for Charity Governance Award Earlier this year GDA was delighted to learn we had been sh for a national Charity Governance Award, which recognised organisation's huge achievement in paying off a crippling pension deficit without cutting a single service for our client On May 12th our CEO, Jenny, together with former GDA Chair Chris Averiss and retired treasurer, Roger Tovey, attended a glittering award ceremony at Dunster Court in the City of London. For a small charity to be recognised in this way felt a huge honour. Congratulations to all GDA trustees, staff and volunteers.
GDA news Friendship Circle Summer Party On Tuesday 21st June guests from across the county came together for another of GDA's Friendship Circle social activities. The theme for our June gathering was 'Vintage Afternoon Tea' and thanks once again, to a wonderful team of volunteers from Ecclesiastical Insurance who came dressed up and 'wigged' especially, the afternoon had a swinging 50's feel. Food was provided by Yumma Cafe which led by deaf entrepreneur Yvonne Cobb, and guests were trea entertainment from a local singer. If you would like to join th Friendship Circle and come along to our popular social activ hear from you - it's free to join and being a Friend brings many benefits. Simply drop us a line on 01452 372999 or gemma.sills@gda.org.uk. Gloucestershire Business Show GDA was delighted to be part of this year's Gloucestershire Business Show held at Cheltenham Racecourse on 18th and 19th May. The show, which brings together businesses from across the county, was an opportunity for GDA to showcase its new Deaf Awareness training films. Working in partnership with other key Gloucestershire training providers, including Gloucestershire Enterprise Ltd and National Star College, we presented our training as part of the Training & Development Hub. GDA's Deaf Awareness Training has now expanded to include films as part of an e-learning package. This is cost effective as well as a convenient way for businesses to understand better how to make their services more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more details please visit www.gda.learnupon.com or call 01452 372999. Building works As part of our continued commitment and need to improve our Colin Road facilities, the GDA building will be undergoing some additional building work during the week commencing the 25th July. Planned work includes: * Creating a separate meeting space at the end of the hall. The new room will be named the 'Honeyford Room' in memory of our dear colleague Barbara Honeyford who sadly passed away in 2014 * Creating a pedestrian walkway directly from Barnwood Road. * Resolve damp problem in the hall and Ruby Room. * Creating a safer main entrance, including installing a speed bump and painting in a pedestrian walkway. We will of course do our best to minimise disruption and thank you in advance for your understanding and tolerance during the week when the works are being carried out. If you have any questions regarding the building works please contact us at admin@gda.org.uk. 4 FREE HEARING-AID CLINICS AC
New Deaf-friendly Forest School GDYZ volunteer leader Rosemary Morgan is behind an exciting new outdoor initiative taking place during this summer, which is especially for deaf and hard of hearing children and young adults, along with any hearing siblings or best friends. The Deaf-friendly Forest School offers quite an exceptional opportunity for young people to develop their relationship with the outdoors and natural environment, and within a total communication environment. Activities across the four days will include den building, bug hunting, cooking on an open fire and much more. The Deaf-friendly Forest School will take place on four dates: 28th July, 4th August, 18th August and 31st August. The cost is £20 per child/young adult per day, and this includes transport to and from the venue, with pick-up points in Cirencester and at GDA, all materials, and of course covers the tailored programme of activities under trained and qualified staff. (Subsidised places are also available, so please do ask if you feel your family might qualify for funding support). We anticipate high demand and there are a limited number of places. If you are interested, please contact GDA as soon as possible for more information on 01452 372999 or email admin@gda.org.uk. EU Referendum On Thursday 9th June, GDA invited our deaf community to attend a special BSL information session about June's EU Referendum. Responding to calls from the deaf community, GDA put on the event for 45 people who came along to find out more about the arguments for and against the Leave and Remain campaigns. Hosted by GDA's Project Developer, Reg Cobb, the afternoon looked at the pros and cons for each side on a number of different topics including economy, disability rights, travel and immigration. Reg said "The response to our EU referendum event was extremely positive with a good turnout. This was a particularly tricky topic to present because clear information wasn't readily available for anyone but this just proved how particularly isolated the deaf community are when it comes to accessing mainstream information." YouChoose In June, GDA invited commissioners from across health and social care to the launch of our new YOUChoose peer support personal assistant service. This new service is designed to match deaf and hard of hearing clients with personal assistants who may themselves be deaf or hard of hearing and so are uniquely well qualified and understanding to their needs, especially around communication. YOUChoose has been a great success already in the Midlands under another deaf charity, Action Deafness. GDA is delighted to have been selected as one of four partners which Action Deafness has now chosen to help roll out the service across the UK. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and would like information about becoming either a client or a personal assistant, please get in touch with the GDA office using any of the contact details at the beginning of this newsletter. 5
Club updates This term GDYZ have had a Valentine’s Day Bake-Off and made many foods including: cupcakes and shortbread. Sam won the best-tasting category and Caitlin won the best themed cake. Everyone really enjoyed the evening, especially the adults who were the judges. During the half term, we spent a morning bouncing at Jumptastic. was called “amazing”, “awesome” and “tiring”. We were especial pleased to go to KFC afterwards because we were starving! We have also welcomed Connor to our group and he has bewilder outstanding card tricks. We are looking forward to our end of term BBQ and our half term trip tubing. We are also excited about sharing our opinions about what it is like for us to grow up as young deaf people in Gloucestershire. RM. GDYZ leader Cirencester Deaf Children's Club (CDCC) is a growing club, with upwards of 20 children regularly attending our monthly meetings. The group meets at the Youth Opportunity Group Play Centre in Cirencester on the first Saturday of the month where we always have a themed morning. Recently we have celebrated Mothering Sunday, the Queen's birthday - everyone loves dressing up and wearing crowns - and our next session in July is 'At the Seaside' when we'll be keeping fingers crossed for some sunny weather to enjoy the big sandpit, paddling pools out and lots of bubbles ending with a picnic. JG. CDCC volunteer The children were extremely fortunate to have 'The Owl Man' visit them in May when an adorable Barn Owl entertained the children and their families. Here is CDCC member, Summer Fletcher with The Owl Man and the star of the show. In April the Gloucestershire Deafened and Cochlear Implant Support Group (GDCISG) held its AGM at GDA. This was followed by a presentation from the National Association for Deaf People (NADP) informing us of their work to raise awareness of deaf issues both nationally and locally. During our monthly meetings we have enjoyed pub lunches in Gloucester and Westbury-on-Severn and visited Nature in Art. Three members of the group have received Cochlear Implants during the last six months, two are making very good prgress while the third is patiently waiting for 'Switch-on' Day. CH. GDCISG member If you would like more information about the group please email Cathy Hopkins on cathnkiln@izat.myzen.co.uk.
Gloucestershire's Hard of Hearing clubs have been as busy as ever over the last few months. Here, Jackie Gloyn from Cirencester HOH and Sue Eldridge from Gloucester HOH, share what their respective groups have been doing. Jackie said "We have had some great meetings recently and the club has grown in size. Malcolm from Heritage Matters came with museum artifacts and we had a team competition deciding what the objects might have been used for. Ceilidh-jo has been and organised a sing-along which is most popular with members, whilst Malcolm Lewis spoke to us one night about operettas and their stars. Our summer outing in July is a steam train ride from Cheltenham Racecourse to Toddington where we will have a cream tea." Sue said "The club's highlight of the last few months has to be a visit from Maurice, a RAF war veteran who came to share his experiences. captured everyone in the audience. We're always looking for new members so please do get in touch if you'd like to join our supportive group." If you'd like to join your local hard of hearing club please contact the GDA office on 01452 372999 for more details. Gloucester Deaf Club (GDC) have been a busy bunch over the last few months. They've enjoyed a number of bingo evenings and most recently, they came together to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday. At the club's AGM in May, Laurence Hayes was announced as the new Chairperson, taking over from Kim Fletcher who held the post for three and a half years. Well done to Kim for all her hard work as Chair and all the best to Laurence in his new role. GDA's popular Lunch Club has been going from strength to strength in 2016 with, on average, 40 people coming along to the monthly lunches held at GDA in Barnwood. Volunteers Kim Fletcher and Yvonne Cobb cook up a delicious two-course meal which guests enjoy along with a game or two of bingo and a raffle draw. Recently one or two members have been worrying about their reduced mobility and wondering how long they might be able to continue attending the lunches. This is a serious issue because for many it's their only opportunity to catch up with lifelong friends and relax among other sign language users. Happily, thanks to the money we raise for our Transport Fund, GDA has been able to reassure Lunch Club members that we can provide a taxi service for those who are no longer able to drive or use public transport. For more info about Lunch Club please contact GDA office on 01452 372999 or 07865 610860. 7
Deaf-friendly Gloucestershire For a number of years now The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham has been supporting deaf and hard of hearing people in Gloucestershire by regularly providing deaf-friendly performances. In our second 'Deaf-friendly Gloucestershire' instalment, we are delighted to give the Everyman a shout-out. The Everyman Theatre is committed to providing access performances as it’s important to us that everyone can enjoy live theatre. We offer Audio Descriptions and Touch Tours for the Visually Impaired; Relaxed Performan for individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Condition and learning disabilities anyone who would benefit from a more informal environment) and we also o British Sign Language Interpreted Performances and Captioned Performanc with hearing loss. We’re thrilled to be able to offer both these options for our deaf & hard of hearing audience members. Highlights from our schedule for the new season: * Finders Keepers on Wednesday 5th October at 2pm & 6pm - devised and performed by Hot Coals Theatre, Finders Keepers is a show about two twits, one junkyard and an unexpected surprise. Using music, puppetry and comic happenings and absolutely no dialogue, it's a show that's accessible to both Deaf and hearing audiences in a shared experience. (Suitable for age 8+) * Captioned performance for A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens on Wednesday 16th November at 7.45pm Dickens considered his novel, A Tale Of Two Cities the best story he had ever written. Interweaving one family’s intensely personal drama with the terror and chaos of the French Revolution, it is an epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption amidst horrific violence and world changing events. * British Sign Language Interpreted Performance of Jack & The Beanstalk on Saturday 7th January at 2pm. The Everyman Theatre proudly presents a GIANT of a pantomime this Christmas – Jack and the Beanstalk, with plenty of magic and music and featuring the return of Tweedy the Clown for more mischief and mayhem! This family-friendly show promises to be packed with songs, laughs, slapstick, a giant, a hero, a beautiful girl or two, plenty of fairy dust, a handful of magic beans and even a comedy cow! Magical fun for all ages; very interactive and very uplifting - we guarantee the adults will enjoy it as much as the children! We offer performances designed to enable everyone to enjoy our productions - I hope we can welcome you all in the new season! Please contact us if you would like any further information or to discuss your individual needs: sally-ann.rhodes@everymantheatre.org.uk. S-A RHODES, EVERYMAN THEATRE 11
In aid of GDA GDA fundraisers have been busy bees again, jumping out of planes, hosting five-course dinners, coffee mornings and much more. Here's a little snippet with what our wonderful supporters have been up to... Tandem skydive On Saturday 4th June a gang of dare-devils headed to Old Sarum Airfield near Salisbury with the intention of leaping 10,000ft out of a plane to raise money for GDA. Unfortunately due to bad weather conditions the gang wer disappointingly unable to jump. However, cakes and bante spirits high as we clung onto the hope that the weather mi for the better. Thankfully the sun shone on the Sunday an jumpers were able to make the leap. So far six of our eight have been able to complete the challenge, and we're hoping the last two are able to do so in the coming weeks. Over the last few months the group have hosted a whole feast of fundraising activities including a Finger Spellathon, a five-course dinner and raffle draws. In total their fundraising efforts have raised a fantastic £3,000 for GDA which will specifically support our Transport Fund; a pot of money which allows GDA to cover the transport costs for isolated deaf and hard of hearing people getting to and from the charity's social activities and services. Huge congratulations and thanks to all our daredevils so far, your bravery has been inspiring. Photo credit to Nigel Dodd. Charitable staff raise £2,300 for GDA Back in June last year Coventry Building Society's Cirencester branch selected GDA as their charity partner. Since then the team have been tirelessly fundraising by hosting raffle draws and coffee and cake mornings as well as applying for a grant on GDA's behalf. On Thursday 7th April, the team presented GDA's Jenny Hopkins with a cheque for £2,300. Jenny said "Tracy said 'we have a little gift for you'. I was expecting £40 or thereabout... my jaw dropped when I saw the cheque." Cirencester Branch Manager Tracy Ellis, said: "We were really pleased to raise that much money over the past year. We're going to keep raising money and keep building a good relationship." 9
Record-breaking Race Night GDA's Race Nights are always a popular and this year's event was our biggest one yet - record breaking in fact! Held on Friday 11th March at the GDA Community Centre, guests were treated to a delicious home-cooked meal thanks to GDA colleagues Mary Hailes and Emma Jenkins. Entertainment came courtesy of the ever charismatic Reg Cobb, who, along with Gemma Sills, donned fitting costumes for the evening.The night smashed all previous Race Night records by raising a fabulous £1,508. he money the event raised will go towards GDA's Transport Fund which assists isolated deaf and hard of hearing people access the charity's services and social activities. Thanks to local businesses HB Digitial, Endsleigh Insurance, Kingscott Dix and Barnwood General Works who kindly sponsored the costs of the evening. Charity coffee morning You'll notice the name Jackie Gloyn pops up a lot in this section of the newsletter - that's because Jackie just keeps on giving her time and energy to raise money for GDA. Jackie's latest fundraising venture was a coffee morning at The Old Rectory in Colesbourne on 14th June. Over 80 guests came along to grab a bargain and sample the delicious cake - thanks to the generosity and efforts of Jackie and her loyal helpers, the event raised over £1,600 for GDA. And not forgetting... We couldn't possibly not give a shout out to other local businesses and organisations which have been busy fundraising for GDA over the last few months. So, BIG thanks to: * Beaudesert Park School which raised £365.47 at a hot chocolate sale. * Kingham Plough pub which raised £133 at their February pub quiz. * M&S / BP garages across the county who raised £289 during April by hosting money tins in stores. * Jonathan Moffitt, GDA trustee who hosted a summer garden party and raised £469. Mayor's Charity Ball On Friday 20th May, GDA staff put on their finest attire and headed to Kingsholm Rugby Club to enjoy an evening that celebrated our organisation as the Sheriff of Gloucester's chosen charity. The evening played host to a silent auction, live auction and raffle draw, all of which were raising money for GDA and additional, the Mayor's chosen charity. We're just awaiting the final amount raised but the money will help fund the support and services GDA provides to young people living with hearing loss. Cllr Jim Beeley said "It's been a pleasure to support a great local cause and I'm delighted the money will help young deaf people in Gloucestershire." 10
Get involved SHOP ONLINE When you shop online using EasyFundraising you could be raising money for GDA. At NO extra cost to you, your purchases could raise much needed pennies and pounds. Shop from over 2,000 popular retailers including Tesco, John Lewis and Argos. Find out more at www.easyfundraising.org.uk. VOLUNTEERING We're always on the CAMPAIGNING GDA is driving forward a campaign to encourage all hospital wards, GP surgeries and medical centres to install visual alerts but we need your help to make an impact. There are lots of ways to get involved with GDA - come along to one of our events maybe. Or check out below others ways in which we'd welcome your support. FUNDRAISING GDA relies on the generous support of local people and businesses to continue our lifetransforming services. If you've been inspired by our wonderful supporters and would like to support GDA, then drop us a line to find out how we can help you kick start your fundraising. look out for volunteers to help out at our events. Whether it's helping to serve guests, setting-up or cheering on our supporters, there's always a job for a willing volunteer. DONATE Whatever amount you can spare, a donation to GDA will help ensure the future of the services and support we offer to thousands of deaf and hard of hearing people in Gloucestershire. A FEW DATES FOR YOUR DIARY JULY * Tuesday 19th - Yumma Cafe, 10am - 2pm at GDA AUGUST * Friday 19th - 'Play Your Cards Right' from 7pm at GDA. Tickets £5 per person SEPTEMBER * Tuesday 13th - Yumma Cafe, 10am - 2pm at GDA * Wednesday 14th - Cirencester Police visit, 2pm * Sunday 25th - Cheltenham Half Marathon * Sunday 25th - Kingham Plough pub quiz, 7pm OCTOBER * Tuesday 11th - Yumma Cafe, 10am - 2pm at GDA * Sunday 9th - Oxford Half Marathon NOVEMBER * Tuesday 16th - Yumma Cafe, 10am - 2pm at GDA * Tuesday 22nd - Friendship Circle Christmas party JANUARY 2017 * Saturday 7th - BSL panto at the Everyman Theatre ,Cheltenham 11
Listening aid equipment to help you at home GDA's Listening-aid Equipment Shop offers a wide range of specialist listening-aid equipment which can help you around the home. From vibrating alarms to TV amplifiers and amplified telephones, we can support you to regain independence and security in the place you should feel safest, your home. ARTONE 3 MAX Just slip this handy little gadget on each day and you will be amazed at how well it helps you hear better during a mobile phone conversation or listening to music. Jenny, our CEO and Chris r, GDA's Chair, are h huge fans and say it ally is a transforming piece of equipment. Why not pop along to the GDA office and try it for yourself. You need to be a hearing aid wearer and your ds needs to have a T tch. £107.87 inc P&P HAPPY CUSTOMER It is always lovely to receive positive feedback from our service users, and these lovely comments from a gentleman we helped recently with our listening-aid equipment service is testament to the high level support anyone can expect to receive from GDA. "I just want to say what a great service I have received from your team. Not only did I receive good advice, I also had a home visit in no time at all. A letter was even sent to me in the post when you could not get me over the phone. During the home visit I was provided with an Echo MiniTech+. I am delighted with the product that already has very clearly made such a difference for me. I can't wait to use it in the car when my disabled son is with me. It will enable me to hear him again when I'm driving. A GOD SEND. Your team member was so polite and professional, the same for when we met her at my GP surgery recently. You are all a credit to the service and people you support. Top marks. Thank you so much, credit where it's due." SM. MITCHELDEAN. Contact us today on 01452 372999 or admin@gda.org.uk to find out how we can help. COST £107.96 inc P&P AMPLICOMMS TV LISTENER This popular device is ideal for anyone who struggles to hear the TV, but at the same time doesn't want to make others uncomfortable by making the TV volume too loud. Working with T-switch on your hearing aid, the listener creates your own personal hearing loop, and users tell us how much it helps them get better clarity as well as sound. A big plus, it's so easy to use. The Amplicomms TV Listener is a top selling product at GDA.
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