BID Services with Deaf people are asking people across Solihull to sign up for
sign language as part of their new ‘Sign Up’ campaign drive.

  ‘Sign Up’ is the latest campaign from BID created to encourage as many people as possible to support the development of British Sign Language (BSL) and the continuation of courses throughout the West Midlands.  The campaign aims to attract 250 new BSL students over the next 6-12 months.  To help achieve this BID will be running BSL Level 1 Courses and taster sessions throughout the Solihull and West Midlands areas.

Anthony Beeby, campaigns manager at BID explains what ‘Sign Up’ is all about:

“Sign Language has always been of great interest to many people however, the opportunity to enrol on a course have been limited. This is something we really want to change.  BSL is a fantastic language and offers a wonderful learning experience.

Our target of 250 new students will make a big difference in terms of increasing the number of sign language users in the West Midlands.  It will also demonstrate the passion and support local people have for this beautiful language and help us to demonstrate the need to keep providing courses.”
BID is currently enrolling for courses commencing in September 2007 including a Level 1 BSL Course being held at Light Hall School, Hathaway Road, Shirley,
Solihull. The course runs from the 11th September 2007 -19th February 2008.  A number of other course options, such as fast-track and taster session classes will also be running all year round.

The new range of course options and taster sessions has been set up to make the learning process more accessible to the public in the hope more people than ever will ‘Sign Up’

Anthony went on to say;

“We are appealing to everyone out there to support the continuation of BSL by enrolling or taking part in some of our classes.  

If you have always wanted to learn BSL now is the perfect time as we have more course options then ever and the taster sessions mean you can choose to sample the language before enrolling.

Whatever option you choose you will be helping to support one of the UK’s most fascinating languages, develop new skills and recognised qualifications and demonstrate the need to keep providing courses in local areas.”

To find out more about the course at Light Hall School or other courses in you area please ‘Sign Up’ today by emailing BID at bsl@bid.org.uk.


Tel: 0121 246 6188

Email: anthony.beeby@bid.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

About BID Services with Deaf People:

BID works to support the Deaf community in the West Midlands. It has travelled a long way from its modest beginnings in the latter part of the 19th Century, when its prime function was "to provide relief to Deaf people and attend to their spiritual needs".

BID has developed a reputation for providing innovative, high quality services to meet the many and varied needs of Deaf people.  Today BID provides Care Management, Deaf Awareness, Support & Advice, Interpreting Services, Youth Work, and Equipment Sales amongst a growing portfolio of services.

Successful partnership and funding arrangements have been developed with colleges, housing associations, trusts, businesses and other organisations, which has helped BID to become more effective in pursuing its aims and objectives.

But still BID depends to a large extent upon private and voluntary donations to continue its work. Whether it's providing toys and videos for young Deaf children, or supporting Deaf people through interpreting or advocacy, we still need help – contact the Fundraising Department on 0121 246 6100 for information on how you can help.