For Dan, Wednesdays at Woodlands Alpaca Farm have become something to look forward to.
Dan, who lives in Warrington, has been visiting the farm for several weeks. He is deaf and communicates using British Sign Language (BSL) rather than spoken words.
It didn’t take long for the farm’s manager to notice Dan’s confidence around the animals. He has a natural way with them, and seems equally comfortable whatever their size.
She also noticed something else: Dan using BSL, and members of the farm team signing back to him. It sparked an interest in learning more BSL among the staff, and she is now hoping to involve more of the team, with Dan potentially helping them along the way.
Dan has made such an impression that the farm has offered him the chance to become a volunteer, rather than simply visiting as a customer.
He's now completing the volunteer application, following an induction and getting his own hi-vis jacket.
It’s a great example of what can happen when someone’s interests and abilities are noticed, and when a local organisation sees not just someone who wants to take part, but someone who has something to contribute as well.
