WEAVER Hall Museum has followed the town’s example after being awarded Makaton-friendly status.

Makaton is a simpler form of sign language that uses symbols, signs and speech to help people who find it difficult to communicate.

Northwich recently became only the third Makaton-friendly town in the country and the first in the north west to earn the status.

And museum staff are now able to welcome visitors in Makaton and Makaton signage is visible around the building.

“Makaton-friendly status is part of the Museum’s ethos to be accessible and inclusive,” said Councillor Val Armstrong, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health.

“I am delighted that staff and volunteers have gone the extra mile to get this accreditation.

“They work hard to bring down the barriers that stop people enjoying culture and this is the reason the museum hosts Chatty Café, runs regular memory tours from local care homes and welcomes children from special educational needs schools.”

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr Val Armstrong at Chatty Café

Every Wednesday morning at 10.30am, Weaver Hall Museum hosts Chatty Café organised by Snow Angels.

The Cheshire-wide social enterprise group support elderly people to live independently, by teaching them Makaton among other skills, and it welcomed the museum’s accreditation.

“We were delighted to receive funding from Brightlife to run this project which aims to help everyone learn Makaton and we have a great time by with chatting, playing games and singing,” said Snow Angel co-founding director Cathy Boyd.

“The Museum have been extremely welcoming and we are working together to develop this project in the future.”