Unleashing joy and empowerment: Highlights from our Deaf Playschemes 2023
August News Post
In the heart of London across two different locations, this year's Deaf Playschemes have surpassed all expectations, offering an action-packed and enriching experience for Deaf children aged 6 to 16 during the school holidays.
Over the course of an amazing four-week period, we collaborated closely with our long-standing partner charity, Deaf-SELF, who aligns with our values. This summer, we successfully organised and oversaw two exceptional Playschemes that have exceeded our initial projections. The North London Playscheme was skillfully coordinated by Remark! Community, while Deaf-SELF expertly managed the South London Playscheme. Both not only provided thrilling adventures and exciting activities, but also nurtured personal growth, Deaf identity and a sense of community for all participants. Our monitoring forms showed that 100% of our children and young people stated that they had a positive experience!
“100% of our children and young people stated that they had a positive experience! ”
From sports to baking, craft activities to day visits, this Playscheme has left no stone unturned in offering a diverse range of activities to captivate young minds. In-venue activities have allowed participants to explore their creative sides while learning valuable life skills. The inclusion of activities like trampolining, climbing, and adventure park visits injected adrenaline into the summer, ensuring that every day was filled with exciting new experiences, with the water fight proving a stand-out success!
“Doing lots of activities like kayaking!”…
“Playing Dodgeball”… “The water fight!”
This year's Playscheme has marked a significant expansion in the range of activities offered. In addition to previous favourites, we added new sports like cricket and basketball, enhancing physical fitness and teamwork skills. However, what truly set this year apart was the involvement of external Deaf professionals from various fields. Experts from the drama and sport worlds were invited to share their insights, offering a fresh perspective and serving as inspiring role models. This not only broadened horizons but also provided much-needed exposure to successful individuals from beyond the immediate circle of the Playscheme, sparking curiosity, cultivating critical thinking skills, and igniting an enthusiasm for learning.
“I learned new skills from the activities”…”It’s great to be around people who choose to sign”
As the word spread about our new North London venue (Laycock Primary School) excitement mounted and our Playscheme saw a surge in numbers. With more participants joining, the Playscheme became a natural platform for forging new friendships. The shared experiences of conquering climbing walls and playing football became the foundation for bonds that go beyond the program's duration. Our Playscheme wasn't just about a summer adventure; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that would resonate long after the holidays ended. Over 80% of our feedback forms completed by the children and young people mentioned meeting friends, new people or others who use BSL as a reason they love coming to Playscheme.
“I get to see my friends!”…”My favourite thing about Playscheme has been meeting new people”
Our Deaf Playscheme wasn't just about fun and games—it was about empowerment through interaction. Through captivating activities, inspiring role models, and meaningful discussions, we set out to instil confidence and nurture belonging. This year has set a new standard for creating that enriching and empowering experience for Deaf children. The experiences shared, lessons learned, and connections forged are the building blocks of a brighter future for our Deaf community, reminding us all that every moment of empowerment and enrichment counts.
Note: All quotations taken from our monitoring forms completed by the children and young people taking part in the summer PlayScheme 2023.