SIGN language can help give a voice to youngsters struggling to communicate.
Rachael Hewitt runs the Little Signers Club which holds free weekly sessions in Kenilworth where families can learn sign language.
And the mum-of-three said while many simply thought sign language could only help those who are hard of hearing, it could also support youngsters who struggled to communicate.
The 44-year-old told the Observer: “I learned some signing when I worked in a special school and was amazed at what a difference it made to the non-verbal children.
“The Little Signers Club has an ethos of respectful care of young children with a focus on nurturing the parent or carer as well as their little one. As a mother myself I know you can be overlooked being a new mum, but I believe mummies are just as important and need to feel nurtured.”
A film about a girl with hearing difficulties who struggles to communicate recently scooped an Oscar.
And Rachael hopes all the publicity around ‘The Silent Child’ will raise awareness about the support sign language can offer and lead to more people joining her classes.
She said: “British Sign Language has obvious benefits for those with hearing difficulties but it also provides a wonderful connection and understanding for everyone.
“It can bridge the communication gap until speech develops and it actually helps with the development of speech. It also gives the child a way to communicate without having to resort to crying which leads to happier babies and less stressed parents and carers.”
Sessions take part on Tuesdays at the Kenilworth Centre.
Call Rachael on 07939 453445 to find out more.
