Why become Makaton Friendly
There are many benefits to becoming Makaton Friendly:
Increased business potential
By making your business more accessible to Makaton users you will
widen your customer base. Being Makaton Friendly will enable Makaton
users to feel confident to use your services as well as enabling carers
and parents to use services where they know someone understands and will
treat them like everyone else. It can increase customer satisfaction
which could lead to increased business.
Investment in staff
As an organisation you can choose what elements of Makaton you would
like to use, but by offering your staff the opportunity to learn and use
Makaton (how much is up to you) you are empowering them and enabling
them to grow and increase their skill set. These communication skills
are life enhancing and they will be able to carry with them throughout
their lives.
Strengthening community ties
Within our communities there will always be individuals who struggle
to communicate at some level. The Makaton Friendly Scheme will allow
people who use Makaton to feel welcome, included and access services
within the wider community, just like everyone else can.
Increased publicity
The Makaton Charity will let other people know you are Makaton
Friendly. This could be through our website, newsletters and local tutor
networks. It is also an opportunity for you to create interest with the
local press etc using the status of Makaton Friendly to increase
publicity for your organisation (see press release tips (doc file, 17kb)).
Recognition
As a Makaton Friendly organisation you will gain exposure within the
business community and the wider general community by going the extra
distance to help people with individual needs. It is a unique selling
point which will set you apart from other similar businesses. Awards are
granted for one year.