A new monthly Deaf Cafe in Bovey Tracey is set to offer a social setting for people with hearing loss and enable others to learn British Sign Language.
The project is the brainchild of 23-year-old Chudleigh Knighton businessman Bradley Oliver and thought be the first of its kind covering Teignbridge and much of Dartmoor.
The idea came to him when running the fortnightly Makers Gift Market at the Bovey Tracey Riverside Community Centre.
He tried to talk with a girl interested in his laser-cut crafts but her parents said she was deaf and only knew sign language.
That was enough for Bradley and mum Katrina, who is also involved in the business, to pay for their own signing lessons.
Now they want to share the joy their new skill has brought.
‘We have disabilities in our own family and know how important it is that everyone is included,’ said Bradley.
‘There are five houses in Bovey Tracey that are run by Deaf UK and they bring people here for holidays.
‘When they come to the market and realise we can sign they’re often surprised and the response is really positive.
‘We can go round the stalls and interpret the best we can to let them know the price of objects or help them express their thoughts.’
The new Deaf Cafe is set to launch with a trial on Friday July 3 then take place 1.30pm – 3.30pm on the first Friday of each month from September.
‘People can come and learn finger spelling and other basics, but it’s also for deaf people to come and chat with others in their community,’ said Bradley.
‘We’re starting to spread the word and quite a few people are already interested. We’re just asking for a £2 donation to cover costs and hope it will go from strength to strength.’
The scheme has won the backing of Central Devon MP and Shadow Chancellor, Sir Mel Stride MP, who said: ‘This is a great initiative on the part of Bradley who is once again showing how local action can help in a way that assists not just those who are deaf or hearing impaired but the wider community too. I look forward to the prospect of visiting the Deaf Cafe in the future and seeing this great initiative in action.’
The Riverside Community Centre is operated by Bovey Tracey Town Council and manager Helen Tate is providing initial free room hire.
‘She said: I have been very impressed with Bradley’s energy and effort which he gladly commits to a wide range of initiatives, supporting and enhancing life for many in Bovey Tracey.’
Search Facebook for Deaf Cafe Bovey.
