Faith Day For Deaf and Blind People in Yorkshire

Deaf, blind and deafblind people from all faiths and backgrounds across Yorkshire are invited to attend a Faith Access Day organised by the charity coHearentVision.

The multicultural event, on Tuesday 19 October, will offer deaf and blind people in Yorkshire the opportunity to access information and spiritual guidance from a variety of faiths, including senior members of Leeds Sikh community.

Specialist Worker in the Deafblind unit at coHearentVision, Jeff Pickersgill, said: “We wanted to organise an exciting and informative day for the deaf and blind people of Leeds and the Faith Access Day is an opportunity for everyone to learn about religion in addition to it being a celebratory occasion.”

The Faith Access Day will be held at the Shire View Centre for Visually Impaired People in Headingley, Leeds.

The day will be full of entertainment, including a set from the world’s first deafblind DJ, Mike Gerwat, as well as singing from local primary school pupils and a set from the Yorkshire Brass Quintet.

Speakers at the event will include Venerable Mary from the Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Mike Gerwat, a Deafblind Buddhist, and Viraf, who will explain the principles of Zoroastrianism. There will also be a service in British Sign Language conducted by Bob Shrine, a Church of England Vicar.

A Healing Space will also be available, as well as Meditation instruction from the Jamyang Centre and the Leeds Triratna Buddhist Centre throughout the day.

Jeff Pickersgill added: “As well as representatives from different faiths, there will also be members of other local charities and services present, including ‘Sign Health’ and ‘Cloverleaf Advocacy’, to offer support and advice to all our visitors.

“The Faith Access Day will give deaf and blind people the opportunity to participate in worship and receive spiritual guidance, to which they may not normally have easy access.”

More: Call Jeff Pickersgill on 07775 444 018, www.cohearentvision.org.uk