February 2020 -update

We have just welcomed more organisations into the #MakatonChester family including : Julies Childcare. Noah’s Ark Nursery. Wesley Methodist Church, Vivo Care Choices Dorin Court, Grosvenor Museum & Blacon Adventure Playground.

Looking forward to extending this throughout the next month – we are on target to become the first Makaton Friendly City!

In September 2019 we trained over 85 people as part of #MakatonChester and are well on our way to becoming a Makaton Friendly City.

If you missed out – do not worry you still have one last opportunity to attend free Training – our new dates are :

Thurs 7th November 15.00-17.00 at Freedom Church Chester click to book

Thurs 7th November 18.00-20.00 at Freedom Church Chester click to book

Wed 20th November 12.00-13.45 at Storyhouse,Chester click to book FULLY BOOKED

Wed 20th November 14.00-15.45 Special session for Santa & his Helpers at Storyhouse,Chester click to book

Our #MakatonChester Group training dates for 29th September and 2nd October is almost upon us, so as we are busy preparing packs and resources we will have to close any further bookings – if you wanted to book a place and didn’t get round to it please contact Amanda directly at amanda@itmatterscic.co.uk, thank you .

September saw the training of the Lord Mayor and Civic Team. We are hoping soon to announce the very first Makaton Friendly Lord Mayor in the UK !- The Lord Mayor has already put his signs into practise at various Chester events .

Past Posts :

July saw the launch of the #MakatonChester Campaign – Making Chester the first Makaton Friendly City.

We are aiming to achieve 50 Makaton friendly organisations, and  we were proud to award 4 new Makaton Friendly Accreditations at the event, taking our current total to 8 (15% there already!)

We had around 40 organisations sign up at the launch ,so hoping to reach our target before the end of 2019!

 

More about Makaton

Did you know that over 100,000 people in the UK depend upon Makaton in order to communicate?
Makaton is an effective language programme that uses signs and/or symbols alongside the spoken word and gives everyone a helping hand to communicate. Makaton supports children and adults with communication needs including those associated with learning disability, autism, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, developmental language disorders (DLD), acquired aphasia (stroke), dementia and English as an additional language- in other words lots of people who regularly use your services.
Imagine walking into a shop and not being understood – that is what many Makaton users experience every day.

As Makaton supports speech it is easy and fun to learn. A 2-hour workshop tailored to suit your organisation or environment will give you all the skills you need to get started.
Is this relevant to me?
If your organisation involves communicating members of the public, be it pub, café, school, charity, church or any public service, this is for you!
This launch event is open to everyone who wants to make their organisation a more inclusive and Makaton friendly environment. You will join representatives from diverse organisations.