Supporting Deaf people Friendship Cricle GDA is one of a number delivery partners on a major project around employment. GEM (Going the Extra Mile) has just celebrated it's first year and its going from strength to strength. In the last year, we have supported eight people move successfully into employment and one into full time education. One young deaf lady we have helped, was depressed in her job and after talks, she left. She went to college and has now set up as a self-employed painter and decorator. We work differently from most employment agencies- we take a very proactive approach to job hunting; creating the right career pathway for each individual. GEM is a £3.3m project funded by European Social Funded and is part of Gloucestershire County Council's 'Building Better Opportunities' initiative. YOUChoose is a specialised care service for deaf and hard of hearing people which matches a personal assistant (PA) with the right communication skills to assist each client towards managing their lives more independently. One new client has said that she looks forward to Tuesdays when her PA visits her and takes her out so she can do her shopping and manage her affairs. Without support, she says she would feel isolated and struggle to do everyday tasks. GDA already has 8 freelance YOUChoose staff, all ready for work. If this support could help you, please do get in touch. 5 Our Friendship Circle socials regularly attract a sell-out crowd, and our Christmas party on 28th November was no exception. 70 guests joined us for a festive get-together, and once again a group of volunteers from Ecclesiastical came along to lend a hand. We cannot express just how appreciative we are for their help - our Friendship Circle simply wouldn't happen without them. A tasty lunch was provided by Yumma Food and entertainment from the Wide Valley Singers helped to kick-start the festive season. The Friendship Circle welcomes all with acquired hearing loss, and events are free. If you'd like to join us, contact 01452 37299 Bishop of Gloucester becomes GDA's first patron GDA is delighted to announce that the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek has become our patron. Bishop Rachel said of the appointment "It was an honour to have been asked to be patron of GDA. They provide incredible practical and emotional support for deaf people in Gloucestershire and I am passionate about their work to break down communication barriers for deaf sign language users and those with significant hearing loss, so they are able to participate more fully in their communities.”
6 Publizr Home