Hartlepool Staff Achieve Level 1 Award in British Sign Language

Ten members of staff at our Hartlepool service have recently completed their Level 1 Award in British Sign Language (BSL), achieving an incredible 100% pass rate!

Fully funded by Real Life Options, the 20 week course delivered by the Deaf Empowering Network is designed to teach participants how to communicate with deaf people in British Sign Language on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use. Staff completing the course are assessed through conversations in British Sign Language and a practical assessment of skills.

Two people we support at our Hartlepool service have a hearing difficulty and like communicating through BSL. Alecia White, Regional Operations Manager says, “It became apparent that we needed more than one person trained in BSL. It was agreed that all staff at the service needed to be trained, not only to help people we support, but also for risk reduction measures”. As a person centred organisation we understand that communication is key when it comes to empowering people we support and providing a gold standard, personalised experience. Andy Booth, Deputy Manager at Hartlepool says that since putting the training into practice, “The happiness of people we support has greatly improved. The gentleman we support is absolutely over the moon with how we’re communicating with him”.

At Real Life Options, we believe it is important to feel fully supported and valued in the workplace and we encourage staff to learn and develop in a way that is right for them. The BSL training, fully funded by Real Life Options has given staff the opportunity to acquire a recognised accredited qualification.