IN our final look at our charity of the month we take a look the work the centre is involved in helping to spread knowledge on British Sign Language.

The Deaf Centre, on Wilson Patten Street, is also the base for the Institute of British Sign Language (IBSL).

The institute is another way in which the world of sign language for deaf people is being influenced right here from Warrington.

Peter Jackson, chief executive of IBSL, said: “We are an awarding body for courses which teach sign language.

“We don’t deliver the lessons, we provide the training for courses all over the UK for them to teach students who want to learn British Sign Language.

“We have more than 60 courses all over the country.

“IBSL teach the teachers then the teachers teach the students.

“We have to train them how to assess and deliver the courses to others and their assignments match our standards.”

And the Deaf Centre, home to Warrington and District Society for Deaf People, also runs its own sign language classes and can tailor courses to suit organisations needs too.

Those who find they enjoy sign language are always welcome to join Warrington BSL Signing Choir too.

The group meet once a fortnight on a Thursday night at the centre to practice.

And their performances see them travel far and wide and over time have performed with the likes of Peter Gabriel in front of thousands.

And the money the choir raises goes towards funding day trips for the society on days out to places like York, Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Lake District which are run with help from volunteers.

But funding is always vital for the charity, which relies solely on donations and through its own income generation by teaming up with a range of groups such as the Deaf History Museum, which also call their centre home, along with money from its weekly social events at the club itself.

If you would like to lend your support to the society, or find out more about the British Sign Laguage courses available at the centre call 634640 or visit wdsdp.co.uk.

NEXT week: We focus on the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation.