The John Denmark Unit (JDU) in Prestwich is an inpatient unit for Deaf people – one of only three such units in the country. The Trust’s JDU is proud to deliver Deaf Awareness Training and aims to provide a more detailed understanding of deafness; deaf people, their culture, community, and language.

The course includes some fun games where you get to experience first-hand the types of communication barriers deaf people experience every day. You will have fun as you learn!

By the end of the course, you will:

• Understand and demonstrate how you can engage and communicate with people who have a hearing loss
• Gain some understanding of deaf culture and community
• Be more aware of the importance of body language, facial expression and non-verbal communication
• Experience some difficulties in communicating from a deaf perspective and be able to assist in improving communication
• Demonstrate a positive attitude with deaf and hard of hearing people.

Date:  1 June 2026

Times:  9.00am to 1.00pm

Venue:  Conference Room 7, The Curve, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL