Bovey Tracey to launch first-of-its-kind community Deaf Café for East Dartmoor
A new community initiative is set to launch at the Riverside Community Centre as Bovey Tracey introduces a monthly Deaf Café that is designed to offer a vital social hub for the local hearing loss community
A new monthly Deaf Café is launching in Bovey Tracey to provide a social space for people with hearing loss and offer local residents the chance to learn British Sign Language (BSL).
The initiative is thought to be ‘the first community facility of its kind’ covering the Teignbridge and East Dartmoor area.
It is the brainchild of 23-year-old Bradley Oliver, a businessman from nearby Chudleigh Knighton who runs Epic Laser Designs.
The idea for the project developed while Mr Oliver was running a fortnightly craft market at the Bovey Tracey Riverside Community Centre.
After being unable to communicate directly with a young deaf customer interested in his laser-cut crafts, Mr Oliver and his mother, Katrina, decided to fund their own British Sign Language lessons.
Mr Oliver said: "We have disabilities in our own family and know how important it is that everyone is included. There are five houses in Bovey Tracey that are run by Deaf UK and they bring people here for holidays.
"When they come to the market and realise we can sign they’re often surprised and the response is really positive. We can go round the stalls and interpret the best we can to let them know the price of objects or help them express their thoughts."
The Deaf Café will hold an initial trial session on Friday, 3 July, before running from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on the first Friday of every month starting in September.
The events will take place at the Riverside Community Centre, with attendees asked for a £2 donation to cover basic costs.
Mr Oliver added: "People can come and learn finger spelling and other basics, but it’s also for deaf people to come and chat with others in their community.
“We’re starting to spread the word and quite a few people are already interested."
The initiative has received formal backing from local leaders and politicians.
Central Devon MP and Shadow Chancellor, Sir Mel Stride, praised the project and indicated his intention to visit.
Sir Mel said: "This is a great initiative on the part of Bradley who is once again showing how local action can help in a way that assists not just those who are deaf or hearing impaired but the wider community too."
The Riverside Community Centre is operated by Bovey Tracey Town Council.
Centre manager Helen Tate is supporting the launch by providing free room hire for the initial sessions.
Ms Tate said: "I have been very impressed with Bradley’s energy and effort which he gladly commits to a wide range of initiatives, supporting and enhancing life for many in Bovey Tracey."
Despite experiencing health challenges from childhood, he previously raised funds for the heart charity Arrhythmia Alliance, created a teenage patient magazine for the Royal Brompton Hospital, and has represented Great Britain in Paralympic ice skating.