May 2026

Turning Tides has long been proud to work alongside local groups who share its values of inclusion, kindness and community connection. One such group is Just for the Joy of Sign Language, a choir whose support has spanned many years and many memorable moments.

Their relationship with Turning Tides began some time ago, when they attended St Mary’s Church in Shoreham where Turning Tides was the chosen charity for the church’s Christmas Tree Exhibition. Since then, they have remained wonderfully generous with their time, talent and energy, always stepping forward when support has been needed.

Supporting Turning Tides Through Music and Signing

In December 2025, the choir was invited to support the Turning Tides Carol Concert at St Symphorian’s Church. Providing a signed musical backdrop to the tea, conversation and connection that followed the service. They helped create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that was warmly received by all who attended.

The choir has also performed at Steyning Christmas Market for the last couple of years. In 2025, Turning Tides kindly invited them to bring collection buckets along. Despite torrential rain, the group managed to raise around £60 — mostly in impressively soggy notes. According to the choir, the rain proved strangely effective: buckets left out in the downpour filled up, while those under cover were largely ignored! Turning Tides’ fundraising team later rose to the challenge of draining buckets and hanging up damp banknotes to dry.

Just for the Joy of Sign Language

The choir, aptly named Just for the Joy of Sign Language, typically consists of between eight and fifteen members. The group includes people with a wide range of hearing abilities and experiences of hearing loss.

Many members are sign language students, ranging from those who have completed a ten‑week introductory course to those holding the highest levels of qualification. Importantly, the choir also welcomes people with no signing experience at all. These members learn the signs needed for each individual song, and because everything is taught using British Sign Language (BSL), many find themselves beginning a wider journey into the language.

Making Music Accessible to Everyone

The choir is meticulous in its approach to translation into BSL. Songs cannot usually be translated word for word; instead, the meaning must be adapted so that it fits the rhythm and structure of the music.

Their aim is that:

Those who use BSL as their first or preferred language can follow the story and rhythm through the signing, even if they do not know the song itself.

Those who use hearing as their first or preferred language can access the signs through the music.

The choir was formed with a clear purpose: to share the beauty of sign language and to raise awareness that BSL is a fully recognised language, the fourth national language of the UK, rather than simply “English with pictures”.

A Growing Connection

Members of the Turning Tides team who attended a recent Tesco bucket collections were particularly enthusiastic about the signing. As a result, the choir has invited interested Turning Tides staff and volunteers to attend a rehearsal to see whether they might like to join.

The group rehearses weekly and ensures everyone is supported. Each member receives a folder containing the lyrics, can make notes, and is given practice materials to take home, including videos of the signing and music recordings.

Giving Beyond Performances

Support for Turning Tides extends beyond performances. Cathy, the Choir’s leader, has chosen to make Turning Tides the focus of Christmas and birthday gifts, inviting friends to donate instead of buying presents. Friends often download Turning Tides’ wish list and enjoy selecting items from supermarkets, particularly the luxury items, resulting in several full bags of donations each time.

The choir hopes that sharing this idea will inspire others to do something similar, seeing it as a simple but meaningful way to give back to the community.

Rehearsals Open to All

The choir meets every Wednesday evening please email justforthejoyofsignlanguage@gmail.com for details.

Rehearsals are open to both experienced signers and complete beginners. Every sign for every song is taught slowly and with plenty of repetition, reinforcing the choir’s belief that music, language and inclusion should be accessible to everyone.