Faith Day a Great Success for Deaf and Blind People in Yorkshire

Organisers of a Faith Access Day this week for deaf, blind and deafblind people across Yorkshire have said the event was a huge success. Over 100 people attended the event, hosted by leading Yorkshire charity coHearentVision and aimed at people from all faiths and backgrounds. The event, on 19th October at Shire View Centre for Visually Impaired People in Headingley, Leeds, offered deaf and blind people the opportunity to talk to representatives from a number of different faiths and religions. It was so successful that coHearentVision are now considering making it an annual occasion. Guests were treated to a variety of entertainment, including a set of ‘World Beats’ from the world’s first deafblind DJ, Mike Gerwat. There was also a Church of England service conducted in British Sign Language by Rev. Bob Shrine and Rev. Rachel Wilson and talks on Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Paganism, Sikhism and ‘The Jewish Way of Life’. Jeff Pickersgill, Specialist Worker in the Deafblind unit at coHearentVision said: “The Faith Access Day was a huge success – all the speakers had a great turnout and everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. “This was the first time we’ve hosted such an event and there was a huge demand from those in attendance to hold it again next year, which is certainly something we’ll consider.” Venerable Mary, Speaker from the Jamyang Centre, said: “It was fantastic to be involved in an event like this, and it was an honour to be asked to speak. I think the quality of the event and the attendance levels suggests there is the need for a similar event to be held annually.” Other speakers and exhibitors at the event including Father Dan Harrison, from the Roman Catholic Church and Jen Watson, an outreach worker at Sign Health all agreed that the day was a success and was very enjoyable for all who took part. Mary Davey, a deafblind service user from Morley, said: “The day has been really interesting and informative and has been a lovely day out. It’s really been a great way to bring people together from different faiths and backgrounds.” To donate or find out more about coHearentVision, visit www.cohearentvision.org.uk ENDS Issued on behalf of coHearentVision by Adessi For more information contact Laura Coyne at Adessi on Tel: (0113) 256 9999 Fax: (0113) 256 9989 Email: laura.coyne@adessi.co.uk Notes to Editor: About coHearentVision: coHearentVision provides a dynamic social and learning environment for people with sensory loss, offering practical solutions to encourage a better quality of life, including: • Braille and large print service • Audio description services • A deafblind unit to provide comprehensive support to deafblind people, their carers and families • Sign language interpreting service • A lively youth development service • Counselling and support • Symbolic Language Service for those with learning disabilities • Social facilities and activities coHearentVision also delivers a range of accredited courses and qualifications to help people satisfy the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 & 2004, including: • Taster Course, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 in British Sign Language • Business training in Sensory Awareness, encompassing Blind Awareness, Deaf Awareness, Hard of Hearing Awareness and Deafblind Awareness skills.

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