Makaton Awareness

5th June, 2025

By Olivia Jackson

Murton Park Celebrates Makaton International Awareness Day

Every year on August 28th, Murton Park celebrates Makaton International Awareness Day, coinciding with the birthday of Margaret Walker MBE. Margaret founded Makaton in the early 1970s.

Makaton is a unique communication programme that combines hand signs, simple symbols, and spoken words to help individuals express themselves. Teachers use it in Early Years and Primary education and features in the CBeebies programme “Something Special,” which stars Mr. Tumble and his friends.

Murton Park proudly holds Bronze Makaton Friendly Accreditation, a partnership programme designed to make organisations more accessible to Makaton users. The park implements Makaton to enhance the experience of visitors facing communication difficulties.

In collaboration with Makaton Tutors Jo Bryenton and Julie Tarn, Murton Park is excited to host this event in celebration of Makaton International Awareness Day. The gathering invites everyone, whether Makaton users or not, to come together and celebrate this remarkable communication programme.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of traditional games, along with storytelling and singing that incorporates signing, and much more. Plus, the first 50 participants will receive a complimentary goodie bag.

Makaton Tutor Jo Bryenton expresses her enthusiasm for the event:

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for such a meaningful cause. Makaton is more than just a communication tool; it’s a bridge that connects people of all ages and abilities. Our event aims to foster inclusivity and understanding, offering everyone a chance to learn and engage in a fun, supportive environment.”

Makaton Friendly park — Makaton tutor Jo Bryenton and Murton Park’s Marketing Manager Olivia Jackson

Murton Park’s commitment to inclusivity is evident not only through this event but also in their ongoing efforts to integrate Makaton into their services. By continuing to promote awareness and understanding of communication challenges, they are paving the way for a more inclusive future.

To view Murton Park’s full summer programme, visit www.murtonpark.co.uk/whats-on

Makaton Awareness

Murton Park Celebrates Makaton International Awareness Day

Recent posts:

Homefront Day

The Frei Compagnie