During a two-day course run as part of RNID Cymru's Volunteering and Participation Project, 19 staff and volunteers from Women Connect First in Neville Street, Riverside learned about the causes of hearing loss and its impact on everyday lives. The women were also given vital advice about how best to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people, including finger-spelling and basic British Sign Language (BSL).

Samar Wafa, Volunteer Manager at Women Connect First, says: "Our work involves breaking down barriers between BME women and mainstream society. Those who are deaf and hard of hearing have an additional barrier to deal with, and thanks to RNID we are now better equipped to address these issues with our clients more fully. Both training days were immensely enjoyable, informative and provided us all with a unique insight into the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing."

Alison Parry, RNID Cymru Volunteering and Participation Manager, says: "We're delighted to reward the Women Connect First group with their deaf awareness certificates, which recognise their efforts in becoming more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing volunteers. The women's knowledge of fingerspelling and a little sign language will go a long way in helping them to communicate with BSL users."

RNID Cymru's volunteering project, funded by Legal & General and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, is working to make volunteering more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people.

Lynne Sheehy, Legal & General PR and Communication Manager, says: "As a local employer we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we have our offices. The Volunteering and Participation project is a great way for people to have new experiences and to learn important skills and we are delighted to support RNID Cymru's work in making these opportunities available to members of the community."

Further information

To find out more about for RNID Cymru's volunteering project, contact volunteering manager Alison Parry, on telephone: 02920 333 034 or e-mail alison.parry@rnid.org.uk