Thousands of children and adults from across England will be singing and signing to a song written by a Poole student this week as they take part in sign2sing, a national campaign organised by the Deaf Health Charity SignHealth.
Hollie Williams, age 12, entered into a national competition at the end of last year to write some of the winning lyrics to the song that is being used in the National sign2sing Campaign to help vulnerable deaf children. Hollie’s winning lyrics were put to music and she was invited to London to record a video of her song with deaf Pop Star ‘Fletch’.
Schools, choirs, businesses and community groups sign up to learn the song and accompanying signs and use the event as a platform for fundraising activities.
Hollie, who now attends Parkstone Grammar school said: “It was very exciting having my song chosen. I also feel very proud to be invited to lead the singing and signing at my old school Baden Powell on Friday 5 February.”
Councillor Mike White, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young people, said: “The inability of most hearing people to use sign language means deaf children can feel isolated. The sign2sing campaign is a fun way to inspire people to discover more about signing. It’s wonderful that Poole schools are supporting this worth while campaign and we are delighted that Hollie was able to get so involved.”
Susie Norbury, Fundraising Director with the Deaf Health Charity SignHealth, said: ” We’re delighted that everyone will be singing Hollie’s winning lyrics this year. They really capture the themes of kindness and acceptance. Thank you to all the schools in Poole who are helping us raise money to support vulnerable deaf children in the UK and Uganda.”
During 1-7 February Poole schools will be joining others around the country, singing and signing to Hollies song ‘Reach Out Your Hand’. Local schools taking part incude: Baden Powell & St Peters Junior School, Canford Heath Junior School, Hillbourne Primary School & Nursery, Old Town Infant School and Nursery, Sylvan Infant School and Wise Owl Pre-school.
For more information about sign2sing visit: www.sign2sing.org.uk or contact Jenny Angliss on 01494 687611. For more information about Deaf Health Charity SignHealth, visit: www.signhealth.org.uk
