In Lambeth & Southwark

The Lambeth Hearing Support Service runs weekly online signing sessions every Tuesday during term time.  The sessions are 30 minutes long and are for parents of deaf children. Currently, we have two sessions, one at 11.00 a.m. and the other at 12.00 noon. Nursery or school staff working with your deaf child can also ask to join.  We cover a wide range of family topics and use lots of repetition to help you become confident using the signs.  We can practise particular signs or phrases you want to use at home, including signs linked to feelings and behaviour.  Parents from other boroughs are welcome to join. If you would like to find out more, please email Gillian on gdee1@lambeth.gov.uk.

Other Courses

Signature
National charity and the leading awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications. They offer an introduction to BSL for £9.99 (self-learning, online) and a wide range of other courses and resources.

Remark UK
Free 2 hour introduction to BSL (British Sign Language) session at their Training Centre in London every month.
Address: 18 Leather Lane London EC1N 7SU
Plus courses from Level 1 (beginner) to Level 6 (advanced).
They also offer interpreter and translation services.

Useful Websites

The British Sign Language Directory
Search for a word or phrase in the “largest collection of video signs online”. Also has a page of 1000 commonly used BSL signs that students will be expected to know in the forthcoming GSCE.

Commanding Hands
This website aims to teach people BSL (British Sign Language) for free. They say, ‘We want everyone to learn and use British Sign Language.’ Links to their Youtube videos and other resources.

Finger Spelling Postcard
NDCS alphabet in BSL

British Deaf Association
Runs the ‘Give Me BSL’ project.

Funding

NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society)
“We offer a range of grants to help deaf children and young people get involved with activities or learning to support confidence, independence and development.” Find out more.

Birkdale Turst
“This charity exists to provide financial support to children and young people who have a hearing impairment and to organisations who provide help to them.” Find out more.

GSCE in BSL

Department of Education Press Release
The new GCSE will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate using British Sign Language. Find out more.