Deaf-inclusive rugby team Bec Belles chosen as SignHealth’s team of the year!
The deaf health charity SignHealth are thrilled to be sponsoring the Bec Belles rugby team this year.
The women’s rugby team, based in Tooting, London are an inclusive competitive rugby team playing in NC2 league. After a few deaf members joined the mainstream team, the whole team made it their goal to ensure deaf people had full access to the team. This has included ensuring CSW’s are provided for all training and matches; hosting deaf awareness sessions and each of the 27 team members are learning British Sign Language (BSL).
Everyone at Bec Belles is super excited to be partnering with SignHealth this season! We LOVE SignHealth’s vision of a world without barriers to health and wellbeing for deaf people and want our rugby team to be a place where deaf people have full access, in games, training and all our social activities!! Thanks so much for your support SignHealth, we will try our very best to win every match and make you proud!” – Millie, Bec Belles.
SignHealth has been really impressed by the progress Bec Belles have been making and the charity has chosen to sponsor the team for the 2024-25 season to enable them to continue their work.
Bec Belles are doing a great job of building a dual-culture sports team. Team sports like rugby are not only a great way to exercise and look after physical health, but they also provide an opportunity to look after your mental health and wellbeing. It has been great to get to know the team and see inclusive sports in action. We’re thrilled to sponsor the team as our team of the year and hope that they inspire other teams to follow their example.” – Philippa Wynne, Head of Communications, SignHealth.
What’s next?
As part of the partnership, 25 of the team members and their Head Coach have decided to run the Oxford Half Marathon on 13 October 2024 to raise money and awareness of SignHealth’s work. This is the first time running a half marathon for 16 of the players. They hope to raise £10,000 to improve health and wellbeing for the deaf community.
As part of the sponsorship, SignHealth’s logo will feature on the team’s kit for the 2024-25 rugby season and SignHealth staff will be encouraged to attend and support the team. #TeamSignHealth
New players and visitors are always welcome and the team host regular taster sessions. You are also welcome to come along and support our games.
To find out more contact: Mac McQuade on 07312 033 410 (call or text) or contact us via Instagram @becbellesrfc.
-
Two Deaf Foot Fund Projects
The Two Deaf Foot legacy will have a big impact on deaf children and young people’s mental health for years to come.
-
New domestic abuse quiz for the deaf community
We have supported deaf people who have lived in abusive relationships for years and years. One moment of realisation can change their story.
-
James Watson-O’Neill is to step down as Chief Executive of SignHealth
After 8 years at SignHealth, James will be moving on to Sense as their new Chief Executive, a wonderful opportunity.
-
Supporting clients in foreign sign languages
Tips from the SignHealth domestic abuse team for how to support deaf people who use other sign languages.
-
SignHealth at the 2024 Labour Party Convention
Nathan and Abigail’s experience campaigning for deaf people’s health and wellbeing at the 2024 Labour Conference
-
Join the Young People Advisory Board
Apply to be on SignHealth’s first ever Young People Advisory Board! Deadline 13 October.
