Sara Jackson a face painter from Flintshire thought it would so much better if she could communicate with the Deaf children she encounters through her business.

Sara approached The Rural North Flintshire Family Centre in Gronant with the idea that other people in their community might be interested in learning British Sign Language too.

With the support of Communities First funding Sara's idea has blossomed and 20 people have come forward to learn BSL. The students all have different reasons for wanting to learn, some personal but mostly the desire to help include the Deaf community into the wider community.

Lisa Brown, who works at a local supermarket, said: "I work with the public but I can't communicate with my deaf customers."

Sara says everyday situations that the hearing population take for granted are fraught with complications for the Deaf community. And the Deaf Association Wales want more people, especially those who work with the public, to put their hands up to learn the vibrant, visual language.

The Deaf Association Wales understands that it is not convenient for everyone to attend evening classes. They have a flexible approach to teaching, and are happy to supply a curriculum that is designed and taught by the Deaf community to the people that express an interest at a time that is most convenient to them.