Description
Hello everyone!
Welcome to the University of Bristol Sign Language Society. After a brilliant year, we have recently become a Silver Balloon Accredited Society and we are so excited to bring you another year of British Sign Language. With an award-winning teacher or members of the committee, being part of this society will give you the opportunity this amazing language. Please continue reading to find out more about what we do!
What is British Sign Language (BSL) and why should I learn?
British Sign Language (BSL) is the most common form of Sign Language within the UK, used by over 150,000 people. Sign languages such as BSL are visual languages, communicated through expressions, gestures and specific handshapes that form signs.
While BSL is primarily used by the D/deaf or Hard of Hearing, here at SignSoc we strongly believe that all people should learn how to sign, even at a basic level, so we can communicate with those who use BSL as their first language. Not only does it help with inclusivity, but BSL is so expressive that it really is a joy to learn.
Classes
Through our society, you will have the opportunity to learn BSL through the following ways:
- Lessons with John Mancini (SignJam)
We have an amazing partner called John who comes to campus to teach professional BSL classes. These are part of a paid Level 1 or Level 2 course whereby you can earn a qualification (certificate provided) that you can use to boost your professional development. These courses are aimed to develop your BSL skills to a conversational level.
We know that money can be a barrier and we want our society to be as accessible as possible. So, we wanted to tell you that the university also provides an Activity Hardship fund where you can get up to £100 to help with the cost of classes. Please click here for more information about this.
- Beginner Lessons
Alternatively, members of the committee also teach free beginner’s lessons each week. These are basic vocab lessons to teach you the basics, just because we are really passionate about making sure everyone has the opportunity to learn a little BSL.
Social events
But the fun doesn’t stop there! We also hold frequent social events throughout the academic year to give everyone the chance to make friends, practice signing and create some lovely memories. Last year, our social highlights included film screenings, pumpkin carving, a Christmas trip to Bath and bowling.
Membership
Get a 1 Year membership for only £5 by clicking the 'Join This Group' icon above the picture!
SignSoc Committee 2024/25
Your committee for the coming year will be...
President - Zap Carlsson
Vice President - Milly Adams
Social Secretary and HOH / d/Deaf Representative - Alex Ferrari
Secretary - Alvin Liu
Treasurer - Tawana Mukasa
Equality and Wellbeing Officer - Chloe Osa
Social Media Manager - Alice Pope
Get in Touch
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us at bristolsignsoc@gmail.com
Also, please check out and follow our Instragram by clicking on the logo to see what we've been up and to keep updated on our activity.
Terms and conditions
Click here to view terms and conditions
Membership Fee Inclusions
Prior to signing up to a Club or Society speak to the Committee to find out what your membership includes and if there are any further expenses throughout the year.
Service Standards
All Club or Society members can expect to receive:
- The opportunity to attend regular meetings, events, activities, trips and socials as arranged.
- The opportunity to stand for a committee position or vote in their elections (Bristol students only).
- For Sports Club – to attend regular training sessions and have the opportunity to be selected for the teams.
Code of Conduct
When joining a club or society you are agreeing to abide by the constitution, general rules, regulations and policies of University of Bristol Students’ Union and also the Club or Society Code of Conduct which sets out the level of behaviour & discipline expected of all Club & Society members.
Refund Policy
Any customer who pays for a membership subscription to a Bristol SU Society, Sports Club, Student Media and initiatives has a 14 day cooling off period from the time and date of purchase during which they have the right to cancel the subscription and receive a full refund. If you do decide to cancel within the 14 days, Bristol SU will refund your payment within a further 30 days of the cancellation. To request a refund please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk
Data sharing (Sports Club members only)
Please be aware that Bristol SU may share data relating to the members of its sports clubs with the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health (a department of the University). This information may be used for the purposes of communicating direct with these members and/or to cross-reference against SEH's Sports Pass membership records.
As part of Bristol SU's membership of British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Bristol SU may have to share data on to its sports clubs members so BUCS can, from time to time, communicate with these members.
Data sharing (Societies members only)
If you're joining one of the societies listed below please be aware that your name and email address will be shared with Bristol Hub for the purpose of keeping you up to date with their activities through their email “The Week”:
AIESEC Bristol, AMICUS Bristol, Anti-Slavery Society, Bristol Feminists, Bristol Friends of MSF, Bristol Marrow, Bristol Social Enterprise Society, Bristol Student Action for Refugees, Bristol University Amnesty International, Conservation Group, Bristol University Oxfam Group, Bristol University Sustainability Team, Bristol Volunteers for Development Abroad, Engineers Without Borders, Howard League for Penal Reform Student Society, International Affairs Society, Medsin Bristol, Model United Nations, and Vegetarian and Vegan Society.
For more information on Bristol Hub visit: http://www.bristolhub.org.
If you do not want your details shared with the Hub please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk.
These terms shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. Nothing in these terms shall exclude liability for fraudulent misrepresentation.
