Overview

‘Sign Me Up Podcast’ is a groundbreaking, inclusive, sit-down interview-style podcast hosted by a Deaf presenter, accompanied by a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. Each episode features a well-known celebrity or influencer to explore deafness, community connection, and BSL learning. With honest conversation and a signature ‘Sign-Off’ segment - where guests sign what they’ve learned - the podcast blends education, entertainment, and advocacy.

The objectives of the podcast are to

Raise D/deaf awareness
Celebrate D/deaf culture
Educate through entertainment
Drive social impact

The pilot episode of the ‘Sign me Up Podcast’ was made possible by a Culture Within Newham micro-commission and will be available to watch and listen at the start of 2026.

About the project partners

By the Sign

By the Sign are dedicated to bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing world through high-quality Deaf awareness training. Their mission is to promote inclusivity, break communication barriers, and foster understanding by equipping individuals, businesses and organisations with the knowledge and skills to engage effectively with the Deaf community. They offer Deaf awareness workshops, British Sign Language courses and communication support.

What are Micro-Commissions for Newham?

In December 2024 Culture Within Newham launched a new micro-commissioning scheme for grants of up to £1,000. The first round offered commissions to artists and organisations in the Green Street, East Ham, Manor Park, and Little Ilford areas. The second round of commissions was for Custom House, Beckton, and Royal Albert/North Woolwich.

The micro-commissions aim to support new ideas, providing an opportunity to build experience in delivering artistic or creative projects. Meet the rest of the Micro-Commissions on their dedicated project page.