Partnering with Deaf Umbrella

Our partnership with Deaf Umbrella began in February 2023, with the aim of supporting British Sign Language (BSL) users who are seeking employment. Deaf Umbrella Job Club, a Community Interest Company, provides invaluable assistance to deaf individuals, helping them recognise their own worth, prepare for work, understand employer expectations, and succeed in the workplace all while communicating in their preferred language. This type of support is rare in the UK, making their work even more impactful.

About Deaf Umbrella

Founded in 1999, Deaf Umbrella has been a cornerstone of support and empowerment for the deaf community. The organisation was born out of the founder’s personal experiences with the challenges of sudden hearing loss, which deeply affected a family member—leading to job loss, emotional strain, and the need for new methods of communication. These challenges sparked a lifelong commitment to supporting the deaf community.

The name “Deaf Umbrella” was chosen to reflect the organisation’s mission. At a time when the internet was beginning to provide vast amounts of information, Deaf Umbrella saw an opportunity to offer a safe space, a ‘shelter’ where deaf individuals could find guidance, evaluate available resources, and make informed decisions about the support they needed.

Since its inception, Deaf Umbrella has been dedicated to empowering deaf individuals by promoting communication and opening doors to education and employment opportunities. The organisation also works with professionals and organisations, offering training and development to help create more inclusive and accessible environments.

Deaf Umbrella is not just about assisting, it’s about helping deaf individuals thrive, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities that allow them to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Through this partnership, we employed Kevin, one of our valued cleaning team members. We spoke to Kevin alongside his interpreter to find out more about his experiences working as part of Team Churchill so far.

Building confidence through communication

Kevin emphasised how clear and consistent communication has made a significant difference in his work life. He highlighted the proactive support from his managers, who ensure that expectations are clear and that he feels confident in his role. This open dialogue has not only helped Kevin excel but has also bolstered his confidence.

One standout aspect of Kevin’s experience is the collaborative environment at Churchill Group. He noted how the entire team works together to address challenges and support one another. When asked about challenges, Kevin confidently shared that he hasn’t encountered significant obstacles thanks to the strong support system in place. Looking ahead, Kevin aspires to grow into a managerial role within the cleaning department, a testament to his ambition and the encouragement he receives from his team.

During our discussion, Kevin also touched on the practical accommodations that have helped him succeed, such as taking and sharing before-and-after photos of tasks. These measures not only ensure clarity but also serve as a helpful tool for communication and accountability.

Rachel Hubbard, MIEP Director at Deaf Umbrella said:

“Our collaboration with Churchill Group has been a game-changer for Kevin and our deaf attendees at job club!  Seeing Kevin’s confidence and skills grow has been truly inspiring.  This has given our job club participants hope for similar employment outcomes themselves. It’s proof that together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive workplace for everyone.”

A testament to partnership

Our collaboration with Deaf Umbrella has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment for Kevin and many others. By providing resources like interpreters and fostering a culture of understanding, we’re proud to help our employees unlock their full potential.

Kevin’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of inclusion. His drive and positivity inspire us to continue breaking barriers and ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered at Churchill Group.

We look forward to seeing Kevin’s aspirations unfold and will continue to champion initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

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