At New Directions, we firmly believe that investing in the continuous growth and development of our staff is paramount to providing exceptional care and support to our clients. Our commitment to building skills within our team is rooted in the belief that well-equipped staff are better positioned to meet the diverse needs of the individuals we serve.
With this in mind John Weekes, our Learning and Development Manager, created a “Communicating with Signs” training programme, and in the most recent round of training, two of our amazing trustees Jo Jarman and Lesley Hanson came along to learn too.
The primary goal of the training was crystal clear: to arm our staff with essential skills for engaging meaningfully with the people we support. By equipping our team members with the tools and knowledge needed to communicate effectively, we empower them to forge deeper connections and build trust with those under our care.
What truly made this gathering special was the genuine enthusiasm shared among participants. Despite the workshop’s serious tone, there was an infectious eagerness to learn sign language, transforming it into a rewarding experience. The sense of community and shared purpose fostered during the session underscores the value we place on collaboration and teamwork at New Directions.
Throughout the session, attendees were introduced to a variety of signs, each representing a fundamental aspect of daily communication. From essential family terms like “mother,” “father,” “sister,” and “brother” to practical expressions such as “food,” “sandwich,” “coffee,” and “water,” each sign acquired enriched participants’ communicative abilities. By expanding our team’s repertoire of communication skills, we empower them to better understand and respond to the unique needs and preferences of the individuals we support.
Can you tell what John’s favourite drink is?
Beyond its immediate benefits, embracing sign language embodies a core human right—the right to communicate and be understood. By mastering sign language, individuals gain a powerful means of self-expression and assert their autonomy. Effective communication is key to fostering an environment where every voice is cherished and heard. It empowers individuals to express their needs and desires, nurturing independence and mutual respect within our community.
The insights gleaned from John’s training serve as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential of communication. With each sign learned, we take a step closer to creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and empathetic society.
At New Directions, we remain committed to providing our staff with the resources and support they need to continue growing both personally and professionally, because we understand that investing in our team ultimately translates to better outcomes for those we serve.
“The Communication with Signs training was really enjoyable and useful; John made the signs really easy to remember with fun sayings to help us along – “please to the knees” and a “nosey sister” will never be forgotten. I am looking forward to practising my new way of communicating.” Jo Jarman