Makaton Workshop: ‘Frontline workshop for General Well-being’

Delivered by Sarah Veitch

Makaton Tutor & Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

What is Makaton?

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.

In addition to children and adults with communication and learning difficulties and the community around them – for example, teachers, health professionals, friends, public service bodies etc. Makaton is increasingly used by the general public to aid communication.

Makaton has been shown to be useful for all sorts of people including those who struggle with understanding concepts, those who have poor literacy skills, including grammatical knowledge, and those with English as an Additional Language. By using Makaton, children and adults can take a more active part in life, because communication and language are the key to everything we do and learn.

For additional information about Makaton please visit: Makaton.org

What is the Frontline workshop?

This is a 3 hour workshop specifically for professionals working on the ‘Frontline’ with children and adults with a range of communication needs.

The workshop is designed to give an insight and experience of the Makaton Language Programme. The vocabulary included has been chosen to allow the participants to gain knowledge and confidence in communicating with vulnerable people within crisis situations.

Outcomes of the Makaton Frontline Workshop

On completion of the Makaton Frontline Workshop, participants should be able to:

· describe the purpose and benefits of using Makaton;

· use all concepts in symbols and signs with speech from the Frontline Everyday Vocabulary;

· use further concepts in symbols and signs with speech relevant to their own environment and needs from the Frontline Bespoke Vocabulary;

· know how to access further information, training and support as necessary and have the relevant information to take away including information about the Makaton Friendly Scheme and Membership.