A Look Back at the Themes Exploration Forum

On 12th February 2025, members of the Deaf community in Walsall gathered at The Walsall Hub for an engaging Themes Exploration Forum, a key milestone in the 100 Year Heritage of Walsall Deaf Community project. This initiative is made possible thanks to National Lottery Players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The event had a fantastic turnout, with lively discussions about the key themes that will shape our upcoming documentary. Community members shared their thoughts, experiences, and insights, helping us identify important areas of focus as we bring Walsall’s Deaf heritage to life on screen. From personal stories to broader historical moments, the conversations sparked ideas that will ensure the documentary truly reflects the rich and diverse history of the community.

This forum was another step forward in our journey to preserve and celebrate Walsall’s Deaf heritage, and the contributions made will play a vital role in shaping the documentary. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, shared their knowledge, and helped make the event a success!

We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations at our next event on 12th March! If you have a theme to suggest, a story to share, or know someone we should interview for the documentary, please contact me directly at robyn@zebra-access.com.

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About Zebra Access

Zebra Access is a truly Deaf-led charity recognised by the Deaf community as dedicated to developing opportunities for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people to have better chances in life and enjoy equal participation and access without communication barriers, providing access to a range of activities enabling Deaf people to have self-belief and confidence to achieve their aspirations by breaking down perceived barriers. Zebra Access aims to promote and advocate healthier lifestyles by raising and improving awareness of available activities and other health choices. We have pioneered effective ways of working with Deaf people providing fully accessible services to provide Deaf customers with holistic and empathetic support via our experts-through-experience members of staff and volunteers.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund: 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.