Playgroup
From the collection of
From the collection of
Plymouth's Blake Lodge inspires deaf community in Exeter.
Blake Lodge in Plymouth is the main centre for the city's adult deaf community. It has also, for the last eight years, been home to a playgroup founded by deaf mothers, where deaf children mix happily with hearing children. The mothers needed a safe space to take their children, converse with other parents and swap experiences.
June Lesbrook explains the group's dynamic. Children are free to draw, paint, make models, play in the park and go on outings to the seaside or zoo. Inspired by its success, deaf parents in Exeter wish to set up a playgroup of their own. A deaf mother is interviewed, saying she hopes they will raise enough money to get the Exeter branch started next year.