Signing Café Brings Deaf-Inclusive Community Together in High Wycombe

A new Signing Café event has successfully brought together members of the local deaf community and village residents at Hughenden Gardens Village in High Wycombe, marking an important step forward for inclusion and connection.  

The idea grew from the legacy of the BBC Documentary Rose Ayling Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks which aired last year and highlighted a lack of deaf-inclusive events and deaf inclusive spaces. The documentary taught residents and staff at Hughenden Gardens BSL and uncovered the importance of communication throughout life, but especially in retirement villages.  

With enthusiastic support from Village Manager Belinda Barlowe, the team at Hughenden Gardens set out to create a welcoming “deaf café” space where signing was central, and everyone could feel included.

There has now been two events held at the ExtraCare village bistro proving to be popular with the community and the village alike. Attendees praised the atmosphere and the village setting, and many stayed to socialise and make new connections. Nearly 90 people attended the two cafe’s held so far alongside 6 residents and a hearing dog, with the majority of guests visiting from the wider community. Guests included deaf attendees as well as people interested in learning or using BSL.

One young attendee summed up the impact saying: “It was the best signing café I’ve ever been to.”

Events like the cafés play a vital role in putting diversity and inclusion into action, strengthening links with the local community, and enriching everyday life for residents and the deaf community. They also help keep Rose Ayling Ellis’ vision alive by ensuring inclusivity remains at the heart of village life and the wider community.

The Signing Café will now be made a regular fixture being held on the third Saturday of every month, 1-3pm in the Bistro. Building on the success of the café, further inclusive improvements are already planned, including the introduction of a signed welcome message for visitors to the village.

The Signing Café is a powerful example of the legacy of the BBC documentary and how small, thoughtful initiatives can make a meaningful, long-lasting community difference.