One of our basic skills tutors, Sue Lee, has won a Surrey Care Association Award for 'Most Innovative Project' for her contribution and dedication to Makaton signing at The Grange.  A year ago only a handful of people at The Grange were able to communicate with Makaton which is a sign system using speech alongside signs. Research has proved that it encourages people with little speech to speak more. Sue, a cookery and basic skills tutor, proposed a project to give all clients, staff and volunteers a basic knowledge of Makaton.

The project began with out of hours social get togethers for clients and staff which Sue ran voluntarily for people who knew some Makaton to practise and maintain their knowledge. It quickly gained pace and today, following a three month training course working with a qualified Makaton tutor, more than 160 people at The Grange sign on a frequent basis.  In a short time we have seen clients with little or no verbal communication grow in confidence. One client, Joanne, said: "I have learned lots of new signs which I use all the time."

Judith Walker, CEO at The Grange, said: "The Grange has recognised that many people communicate without speech or with limited speech. The Grange’s Communication Strategy, driven by Sue Lee, is a means of organising the different ways of communicating into a common language.  Sharing a common language ensures our people are not excluded from the world around them. We are delighted for Sue and are very proud of the work she has carried out."

Sue said, "I was thrilled to be nominated and excited to win but as I have said on more than one occasion, the project wouldn’t be the success it is without everyone at The Grange participating."