News

Makaton – giving everyone a voice

News

Makaton – giving everyone a voice

Brendan has been profoundly deaf since birth. Michael, who could hear as a child, gradually lost all of his hearing. Although the men use some British Sign Language (BSL) and a number of signs they have devised during the 17 years they have known each other, Makaton signing is the main way they chat to each other. Team Leader, Andy, encourages this as it helps to avoid confusion and is easier for new staff members to pick up than BSL.

‘It’s so important that people who can’t communicate verbally still have a voice.’ Andy, Team Leader

Makaton was created in the 1970s by three speech and language therapists. The word ‘Makaton’ is formed from the first syllables of each of their names.

Passionate about Makaton, Andy would like it to be taught in all schools. He has found it helpful not only in communicating with Brendan and Michael, but also with other service users with communication difficulties and some of his own family members, too. Andy is trained to Level 3 in Makaton and hopes to become a tutor so that he can teach others, not just in social care, but in all walks of life.

Latest News

‘Pan-Disability Games at Stanley Park Sports Centre’

Jessica’s Work Experience

Our People we Support Meet TV Cricket Star

Vacancies

Current Careers with One Fylde

Senior Support Worker (Full-Time)

Senior Support Worker (Full-Time)

At One Fylde we are looking to recruit our final few Senior Support Workers across our services.

Support Worker (Full-Time)

Support Worker (Full-Time)

One Fylde has ongoing vacancies for Full-Time Support Workers in Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre, with a great package of benefits.

Learning Disability Outreach Worker (Full-Time/Part -Time)

Learning Disability Outreach Worker (Full-Time/Part -Time)

One Fylde has ongoing vacancies for Learning Disability Outreach Workers in Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre, and we are offering a great new package of benefits.

“Supported individuals don’t live in our workplace: we work in their home. I like to think the people we support can be comfortable in my presence and can feel like I’m not just their Support Worker.”

Cassie, Support Worker

Contact Us

One Fylde is a locally focused, independent, community-led charity providing support and housing to people with learning disabilities and autism across the Fylde Coast.

Libra House
Cropper Close
Whitehills Business Park
Blackpool
FY4 5PU
Office Hours
9am-5pm
Mon-Fri
u
v