With just over a week to go before Christmas, members of the local Deaf Community came together at the annual Caritas Deaf Service Christmas Lunch on 17th December, to usher in the festive season with joy and conviviality.
The Hinsley Room close to Westminster Cathedral, which regularly hosts Lunch Clubs, Retired Groups and Bible Study sessions for the Deaf Community, was decorated with paper chains, tinsel and other ornaments to welcome attendees for a lively communal meal, including a traditional Christmas menu prepared by the Caritas Westminster team.
Laughter and animated conversations abounded around the table, with the distinguishing feature that all took place in British Sign Language (BSL).
The meal was followed by a game of tombola, where guests and staff picked names at random and each received a Christmas present.
‘Christmas can be especially isolating for Deaf people, said Shell Roca, Head of the Caritas Deaf Service. ‘Often they are excluded from discussions and games around the table at Christmas, with no one else signing and people talking all at the same time making it impossible to follow conversations. Our gathering is full of fun and joy, with everyone included.’
One guest commented: ‘I hope the photos of this event capture something of our joy, personalities and sense of humour. People sometimes find it hard to connect with the Deaf Community, but we are very welcoming and have so much fun.’
The Caritas Deaf Service works to enable individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing to participate fully in the life of the Church. It does this by running regular Signed Masses, Bible Study sessions, social events, trips and pilgrimages tailored to the needs of the Deaf Community.
Support the Caritas Deaf Service here.
