Brent chiefs pledge to sign the British Sign Language Charter

Brent Council has pledged to work with deaf communities to provide inclusive and accessible services to residents in the borough.

Asif Iqbal MBE, president of the Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club, met with Cllr Parvez Ahmed, mayor of Brent, Mei Sim Lai, OBE, deputy lieutenant of Brent and Dr Ethie Kong, chair of Brent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as part of National Deaf Awareness Week which runs from May 15-21.

The group pledged to work together to sign the British Sign Language (BSL) Charter over the coming year at the meeting at Brent Civic Centre.

Mr Iqbal taught the group a few signs and explained the importance of communication.

He said: “I am pleased to see positive progress from working together, giving out a strong message about the council and health’s commitment to support deaf residents and ensuring they have access to wider services.

“I applaud the dedication and drive from the senior management of Brent Council and Brent Clinical Commissioning Group for wanting to make a difference and giving their full support in raising Deaf Awareness. We will work closely with them to ensure better access to services for our deaf residents.”

Dr Kong, added: “Being deaf shouldn’t be a barrier to playing a full and active role in our community.

“I want to make sure that the NHS in Brent does everything it can to support every deaf person in the borough to live a full and active life.”