Hello - English
Helo - Welsh
Halò - Gaelic
Dia Duit - Irish
Dydh da - Cornish
Welcome to our on-line Community Circle information page
Did you know that only 30% of the English language is lip readable
We asked Janet
Why is deaf awerness important to you?
Quite simply I'm going deafer each year at the moment without my aids I am profoundly deaf and can only perceive very loud sounds or vibrations.
You wear aids?
Yes I wear bilateral BAHA's and use a mic. With my aids in I have moderate to severe hearing loss this means I still needs raised voices and normal conversation is hard to follow.
What is your hope for the future?
When this time comes and my hearing has gone completely I am hoping many of my friends will still be able to communicate with me.
What is your greatest fear?
The same as many deafened people ISOLATION, the inability to have a conversation or to join in with society, I already feel it sometimes when everyone is talking and i cant follow what going on.
What the worst anyone can say to you?
Oh that's easy "I will tell you later" when you ask what ws said
It happens all the time and it hurt each time just as much.
Oh yes and PARDON usually shouted which people find is funny when you say your deaf.
National Deaf Awareness Week May 4th – 10th
Deaf Woman Walking
After being deafened for 30 years and growing up in a deafened family, deaf awareness is, as you can imagine, a top priority for me. This means that when I am not teaching my time is spent between;
BEING
A trustee at Surface Area Dance Theatre in Newcastle. One of the few dance companies who's work is genuinely work at the interface between sign language, D/deaf culture, and dance.
AND
A volunteer at Cumbria Deaf Association , a local independent charity that have been supporting D/deaf people throughout Cumbria for 130 years.
OR
Running charity events usually for deaf awareness or in aid of a deaf charity.
Raising money for Charity
Our main charities are Deaf relates -National Deaf Children's Society, Cumbria Deaf association ect.
Though our school over the years has raised money for other charities and good causes as well.
Like: MIND, Bootle WI, MacMillan, British Heart Foundation, Furness Mountain Rescue, and more
£6,948
Total up to end of May 2026
including Wainwright walks
2026
Febuary Challenge
February Janet walked 20 laps of our village in one day to promote her wellbeing walks and to raise money for our village Community hub at Alexander house and for CDA to put towards trips. She raised £150
May Charity
Janet waked100 miles this may for the National Deaf Children's Society
She raised £472
Deaf Woman Walking
Walking the Wainwrights'
During the summer you will find Janet in her Pink Vest with John by her side Walking the Wainwrights in Cumbria to promote deaf awareness and to raise money for Cumbria Deaf Association.
She has climbed
23 so far
Total raised up to Dec 2025
National British Sign Language (BSL) Day - April 28.
Deafblind Awareness Week: June 22–28
Learning BSL
There are lots of course out there to learn BSL
When taking an introductory course try to find one Deaf lead (being taught by Deaf teacher is important)
When look to take your course above Introductory level try to take a British Sign Language (BSL) course provided by Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for British Sign Language qualifications, this means your course will be accredited by the CPD Certification Service.