Makaton training a first for the Church of Ireland

The Diocese of Down and Dromore has partnered with Derry and Raphoe Diocese to offer Makaton training – a first for the Church of Ireland.

Makaton is a language programme that gives everyone a helping hand to talk and communicate with each other using signs and symbols. Those with young children might know it from Mr Tumble or Bedtime Story on CBeebies, the pre–school channel for kids on BBC.

Julie Currie the diocesan Children’s Officer, who is trained in Makaton and authored the JIGSAW Curriculum, realised that Makaton is a tool that can help some of our kids, young people and even adults who have communication difficulties to fully participate in church life and worship.

The training offered a fantastic way to incorporate the language programme into the JIGSAW Curriculum, including the All Age Services, and to share this resource with the wider church family.

Julie Currie says: “With funding from the Church of Ireland Education board, we were able to cover the cost of the training and materials. Cynthia Robinson was our specialist Makaton trainer and came with over 30 years’ experience.

“We offered training to four churches. We invited the ministers and two volunteers to come and learn the basics and see how Makaton can be used as an effective tool to communicate to those with non– verbal communication, learning difficulties and special needs.

“The Ministers had a full morning learning the core Makaton signs and symbols and the Lord’s Prayer, and the volunteers had an extremely intensive day’s training achieving a certificate in Level 1 Makaton.

“We look forward to seeing where this will lead and for further opportunities to train more churches in our diocese next September.”

Makaton group with Julie and Cynthia (right)

Here’s what the first group of trainees said:

Having just completed the Makaton training day I can’t recommended it highly enough. The condensed version was very challenging, but once completed it left me with a real sense of accomplishment. Not one minute of the program was wasted, it’s extremely well put together. It certainly opens doors for an ‘all inclusive’ opportunity for The Great Commission we as Christians have received. Mandy

I am not in a place to preach a whole sermon in Makaton just yet but the taster session I attended was a really helpful reminder of how we are called to engage with every member of our church family. I am delighted that a number of volunteers and staff members from our parish have already gone further with this and will be an encouragement to others. We are excited for how this will enhance our ministry and be a blessing to many here in Holywood. Canon Gareth Harron

I absolutely loved it. It was practical and engaging. I am super keen now after doing this, to progress to further levels. Can’t recommend this training highly enough. Massive thank you to Cynthia!!! Karen

A great resource in our church life. As for outside of church, I think it is a valuable tool to have. You never know what’s round the corner or who on our journey we will meet. Noelle

Find out more about Makaton at www.makaton.org

Find out more about Cynthia Robinson Training at www.robinsonmakatontraining.com