A NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY GROUP
let your fingers do the talking with sign language!
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY GROUP
let your fingers do the
talking with sign language!
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
The last year has flown past and we have many new members, including children. We have attended a number of conferences, consultations and other group's AGMs. We are always doing lots of networking and raising awareness to our work.
These include workshops for Parenting 2000, Joint Learning Partnership students and YAT Group for young people plus after dinner speaking for the Townswomen's Guild and Inner Wheel.
We networked at the Prince of Wales Hotel and at Southport College's Diversity days. We gave out hundreds of leaflets and RNID booklets. I was filmed signing for people as they aired their views. We also attended the Brighter Living Partnership fruit & veg launch and at their Committee meeting. I did a lot of networking. Ian has been wonderful emailing our details to all their partners.
Mondays at the Marian Centre will continue 6-8pm as we have Grassroots funding for 3 years rent. This is a relief as running costs escalate every year. It will also pay for BSL Level 2 course for Mavis Husbands.
The Henby Trust and Holt Foundation have paid for a TV with integrated DVD player and a new laptop. Another laptop is to be purchased so there is one for each venue.
Our JLP venue is moving to 54 Bath Street and re-opens on 2 October at 1.30pm. We must thank Sue Legge for the use of their centre for free.
In the future we plan to apply for more funding for running costs. We also plan to copy our DVD and publicise it for selling. We need to work towards self sufficiency. Next year we hope to have funding for a big event at Waterside Lodge to raise awareness and to include our AGM.
Learn to Sign Week is 5-11 October and we are offering free sessions.
Lastly I want to thank all our members who make every new member welcome, and for all their voluntary work they do to support me and the group; Tony Wright for all his work on our website; Mavis Husbands for her ongoing help with sign language skills and her support to me at every event I need to be at, and Phil Rodwell of southport.gb.com who always supports us by putting our news on his website.
Maureen Doyle
21 September 2009