SoundSteps: Building Futures Together by Deafroots

Delivered by Deafroots

In 2024, the Foundation for Future London awarded a grant to Deafroots for its project “SoundSteps: Building Futures Together” through our Medium Grant Scheme.

This project focuses on enhancing the well-being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals by providing access to essential information and communication through sign language.

The Medium Grant Scheme is part of our Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund, funded by Westfield Stratford City.

This project focuses on enhancing the well-being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals by providing access to essential information and communication through sign language.

By extending the current pilot project, led by volunteers, the initiative aims to train dedicated volunteers in basic British Sign Language (BSL) skills.

These trained volunteers will then offer free BSL instruction to both the general public and essential frontline service providers.

The overarching goal is to reduce isolation and foster a more inclusive society by bridging communication gaps and facilitating connections within the community and with essential services.

Key aspects include:

• Volunteer Training: Volunteers will receive training during their participation, equipping them with the necessary skills to support the project.
• BSL Instruction: A group of volunteer champions will be trained in basic BSL skills. They will then provide free instruction, enhancing communication capabilities across the community.
• Preventing Isolation: The project aims to mitigate the feelings of isolation often experienced due to communication barriers. By creating more accessible communication pathways, the project seeks to build a more inclusive environment for all.