Welcome to the first Newsletter of 2021

2021 looks like giving us some hope with the vaccine roll-out and perhaps not a moment too soon with the impact on our mental health.  There have been some studies that indicate there are increased levels of anxiety, of suicide attempts and difficulties in maintaining mental health wellbeing.

Congratulations to Sara!

We reported last October that there was a competition to find a name for the new group in Wales.  Sara Jenkins won 1st and 2nd prize for her logo submissions for a new mental health research network.   Dovydas Arlauskas came third – winning the 3rd prize.  For more information see our website: https://bsmhd.org.uk/2021/02/02/congratulations/ and also for information about the group see:  https://www.swansea.ac.uk/humanandhealthsciences/research-at-the-college-of-human-and-health/research-centres-and-groups-at-human-and-health/nursing-research-at-college-of-human-and-health/deaf-mental-health-group/

In January, there was the documentary directed by David Ellington – Dismantling racism – that looked at aspects of racism in the wider community and how racism affects the mental health of Black Deaf / Deaf Black people.  Shown on BBC’s See Hear, here’s the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rh2n

In the same month there was the launch of Omeleto’s ‘Feeling Through’ film where a homeless teen meets a deaf-blind man at a bus stop who changes his life forever. The film is by turns moving and inspiring, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1CqzntEZZ8

Also in January was an article in the Guardian newspaper about a Deaf teacher Alysha Allen who uses BSL and is working in mainstream school.  Here’s a snippet from the article: “The school has found that BSL can act as an inclusive communication tool, particularly for children who have additional needs such as autism, or those who don’t speak English as a first language – something that’s relevant in Allen’s school, where 44 languages are spoken.”  To read the article, please use this link: https://www.theguardian.com/100-teachers/2021/jan/29/inspiring-others-the-deaf-teacher-who-is-breaking-down-barriers

Here is something to look forward to for those interested in BSL history.  Entitled History of BSL (1792-2021), The eight generations journey, the online lecture in BSL on Zoom on 20th February is led by Peter R Brown and facilitated by Kate Rowley.  Interested? Contact drkate.languagewise@gmail.com

Here’s some news from one of our members in Devon.  There’ll be a talk “Who Cares?” at 19.30 on Tuesday 23rd February by Debbie Francis.  This is being organised by a small CIC in Devon promoting mental health recovery and will have BSL interpretation. For more information see: https://www.facebook.com/events/179242150662285

And finally don’t forget to keep the 29th of June free in your diaries of our online conference – BSMHD members get a discount! 

Get vaccinated and stay safe!