Sign language group set up to combat isolation

A space where hearing impaired and deaf people can gather to share a coffee and conversation has been set up to help tackle social isolation in rural areas.

The Deaf Cafe in Bovey Tracey, Devon, aims to provide a space where people can learn and practise British Sign Language (BSL), build confidence and share experiences.

The group, which meets monthly at the Riverside Community Centre, was the idea of 23-year-old Bradley Oliver.

Jean Fenton, who wears hearing aids and has been told she will completely lose her hearing, attended the group after finding formal sign lessons to be too expensive.

"Today I've learned the alphabet and how to sign my name, which is brilliant," she said.

"I thought it would be much more difficult."

Jo Wheatley, from the National Deaf Children's Society, said groups such as the Deaf Cafe could be "a lifeline" for many, with an estimated 4,000 deaf children living in the South West.

Visitors at the launch earlier this month were taught finger spelling and basic signs by students from the Deaf Academy in Exmouth.

Oliver, who set up the group, said the idea for setting up the Deaf Cafe came after meeting a young girl at a market.

He runs an online laser cutting and engraving business, which he set up after struggling to find work because of health problems, including a heart condition.

"I tried to say 'hello' but her mum explained there was no point because she only understood BSL," he said.

"My mum and I decided we should learn it so we could surprise her next time to say, 'Hello. How are you? Merry Christmas!'"

As his knowledge grew, Oliver realised there were few opportunities locally for deaf and hearing people to socialise together using BSL.

His mother, Katrina Oliver, said: "He knows better than anyone what it's like to not be included."

Teacher Holly Mills, from the Deaf Academy, said the group helped people "build confidence".

"Our students can sometimes stay within their own groups," she said.

"Coming here helps them meet new people and see that hearing people want to learn sign language and communicate with them."

Amy Kelly, a BSL teacher who has been deaf since birth, said many students were looking for opportunities to communicate using sign.

"People who take my Level 1 and 2 courses often ask where they can practise," she said.

"Until now there hasn't really been anywhere, so this is a fantastic opportunity."

The Deaf Cafe will run one afternoon a month from September.

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