Employment Project

CfD, together with GDA (Gloucester Deaf Association) developed and delivered an Employment Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Funds.

The project´s aim was to reduce the stress that D/deaf people are experiencing in employment in lockdown and returning to work. To achieve this, we:

• Facilitate regular peer support groups so that D/deaf people can discuss issues and share strategies so promoting a D/deaf-led approach to problem solving.

• Provide workshops with topics selected by the group

• Encourage the group to develop new approaches to managing isolation in the workplace in partnership with their hearing peers to promote inclusion.

• Work with project participants to use their personal experiences to develop resources for employers so they understand the D/deaf perspective. This will also benefit employers in promoting their understanding of the needs of their D/deaf customers who have been adversely affected by COVID-19.

The project outcomes were:

• An improvement in the mental health and emotional wellbeing of D/deaf people returning to work in the post-lockdown period.

• A reduction in the number of D/deaf people who become unemployed as a result of lockdown measures.

• Workplaces that are more “deaf-friendly”, inclusive and that value D/deaf employees.

In the 6 months of delivering the project, CfD and GDA achieved:

Testimonials:

“It was accessible for all, the subject was relevant”…Client A “It was really good to learn new skills which helped me know how I can better improve awareness”…Client B “Thank you for your efforts in the workshops which I have found really useful and enjoyable”…Client C

What’s next?

CfD are now looking to expand on the workshops, aiming to deliver one workshop a month with expert speakers on various topics to do with work, employment, self-employment, etc. If you are interested in attending or want to request a specific topic, please email CfD at office@cfd.org.uk

We also offer Deaf Equality Training, if you feel your employer could benefit or needs help understanding the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. This training can be extended to your whole organisation.