Council Workshops Introduce Makaton Language Programme

Recent workshops organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum introduced local people to the Makaton language programme.

Using signs, symbols and speech to support those with learning or communication difficulties, the workshops were held in Drumaroad, Drumaness and Castlewellan.

Participants fully immersed themselves in the events to help their understanding of Makaton which is widely used in schools, health settings and in the home to help those with learning and speech disabilities to communicate.

The use of the language programme helps reduce frustration, accelerate vocabulary development, boost confidence, improve attention and memory and helps users express needs, thoughts and emotions. 

Parents and family members joined teachers from a number of local schools at the Castlewellan event and were pleased the workshop had been organised by the DEA Forum.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Makaton fosters an inclusive environment and allows people to communicate, understand and be understood. It is an essential tool for helping unlock communication for those with learning or speech difficulties.

“I am delighted so many people attended the recent DEA workshops to learn new skills to communicate with those who have speech issues. Learning Makaton is something we should all be motivated to do as it can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The Council Chairperson said the language programme has been described as transformative, helping boost people’s confidence and communication in a more inclusive environment where they feel understood.

During the workshops, participants learnt 40 signs and symbols and basic information on the Makaton programme.

Emer Hamill from Ardglass, who attended the Castlewellan event, was delighted the workshops had been arranged. Her nine year-old niece has Down Syndrome and is non-verbal. She is educated at a special unit at St Nicholas’ Primary School in Ardglass where her teachers use Makaton. “When she comes home from school, she is using Makaton and I am learning the language so I can communicate with her,” said Emer.

“I am one of my niece’s carers and at the minute I only know about 10 Makaton signs and I’m here to learn more. I learnt the signs by watching Mr Tumble on children’s television and my niece also watches him too. When she learns a new sign at school, I have to ask the teacher what it means.”

Emer said the workshop will really benefit her and is encouraging other people with loved ones who have learning or communication difficulties to learn Makaton.

“I am pleased these workshops have been organised. As far as I am aware, there are no other classes of this kind and they are invaluable. None of the local further education colleges offer Makaton classes and I am pleased to be here to learn more and communicate better with my niece,” she said.

Emer added, “Attending this workshop is just the start for me and I intend to keep learning Makaton which is an invaluable skill for me and many other families and teachers across the district.”