London BSL classes & practice

Around 18 million UK adults are deaf or hearing loss (RNID). A June 2024 analysis says about 87,000 are British Sign Language (BSL) users. There are a number of dedicated courses and free signing practice groups for anyone wanting to learn BSL.

Deaf community is about shared experiences, values, traditions, and sign languages which form a bedrock. Hence a strongly based visual culture. Being a friend, ally, or advocate involves learning, active support and building genuine, respectful, relationships. Advocacy means elevating the Deaf’s presence and not centering one’s own speech culture. Here’s some tips:

• Learn basic sign language (BSL): Even small efforts shows respect and a willingness to communicate.
• Respect Deaf culture: Deaf people are not a people who need to be fixed.
• inclusivity: Conversations, events, and decision-making – don’t ignore or talk over them.
• Preference: Communication and interaction vary. Ask what’s best. Don’t impose speech on the Deaf.
• Learn: Deaf history, culture, and systemic barriers (e.g lack of interpreters, inaccessible media).
• Challenge ableism: Speak out when discrimination, exclusion, or offensive stereotypes occurs.

BSL Classes: Local community colleges and charities offer courses. Online platforms and apps can help with the fundamentals of signing, offering opportunity for better signing skills and also being better allies.

✅ City Lit
Offers both in attendance lessons and online.
Also has courses covering other topics eg Deaf history and culture.

✅ Remark
Deaf led organisation offering accredited BSL courses from Level one through Level Six.
Interpreting Diploma (for those who wish to become a BSL Interpreter).

✅ RAD
Accredited courses – as well as opportunities for free lessons (according to eligibility).

BSL practice groups

Remark has a BSL group on Mondays between 5 and 7pm for general practice including beginners.

Other groups:
Sacred Grounds, Soho (Tuesdays 5-7pm, 54 Dean Street, London, W1D 6AE). Tube – Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Rd.

Please consider some Deaf people do have other disabilities, including autism, learning disabilities, mobility etc.