Barnstaple schools invited to take part in world record attempt for deaf charity

Barnstaple children are being invited to sing and sign a song simultaneously this month in an attempt to break the current world record and help raise money for a deaf healthcare charity.

SignHealth, which provides advocacy, counselling and mental health services for deaf adults and children all over the country, including Barnstaple, is hoping 175,000 youngsters will participate in its sign2sing event.

Rowena Dean, Head of Marketing and Communications at SignHealth, said: "sign2sing is our world record breaking attempt for the most people singing and signing a song simultaneously. We are inviting schools from the town to sign up and help raise money for SignHealth at the same time.

"The money raised from the event will help us continue our work helping to improve the mental and physical health and well-being of deaf people, including deaf children, nationwide and in Barnstaple." 

Earlier this year 114,277 youngsters took part in sign2sing 2012 and smashed the Guinness World Record. The previous record, which SignHealth also set, was 94,489.

This will be SignHealth's third sign2sing event and the charity is hoping to involve more than 175,000 youngsters. Schools, colleges and nurseries across the country can all host their own sign2sing event.

This year, teachers and pupils who sign up for sign2sing will have access to digital resources developed by SignHealth in partnership with leading cause-related entertainment provider, Digital Giving.

The children's book character, Olli the monkey, who loves to sign, features in the online resource pack and in an interactive game called 'Monkey Manor', which has been created by Jamie Goldblatt, Co-founder of Digital Giving.

Although the game is entertainment-led, players will be steered to access important communication messages, tips and information as part of the experience.

Rowena added: "The digital resource pack is available to all schools that register for sign2sing and includes a free whiteboard app.

"sign2sing is all about communication and the app will make it easy for teachers to teach the signs and song in an engaging way.

"Schools can also benefit from our new sign2sing poster. The poster, which is A4 size, features Olli the monkey and is available to schools that register to take part in sign2sing 2013."

On Wednesday, February 6, 2013 young people from all over the country and overseas will sign a song, entitled 'sign2sing', which has been composed especially for the event.

sign2sing is primarily aimed at four to 11-year-olds, however other younger and older children and adults can join in if they wish.

Rowena continued: "Any schools in Barnstaple that decide to take part will be joining hundreds of schools all over the country and some in other countries at GMT 2.45pm on Wednesday, February 6 when they attempt to break the world record."

sign2sing is a fundraiser for SignHealth through a suggested £1 donation from everyone taking part.

Schools wishing to take part are invited to register their interest via www.sign2sing.org.uk.