Learning Makaton to make moving easier for everyone
We were really excited to hear that John Mason International Movers had taken a significant step towards making
their services more inclusive by learning Makaton.
Below, the team at John Mason International Movers shares their experience and the positive impact Makaton has
had on their work.
At John Mason International Movers we’ve always believed that moving should be a positive experience for everyone. However, we realised that for
some of our customers, especially those with communication difficulties, the process could feel a bit
overwhelming. That’s why we decided to learn Makaton.
Our first steps with Makaton
Our journey with Makaton started when we began thinking about how we could better support all of our customers.
We knew that moving can be a stressful time, and we wanted to do everything we could to make it easier for those
who might find it hard to express their needs. Learning Makaton seemed like a natural step for us.
Our team members, from front-line staff to our dedicated Move Managers, embraced this opportunity with
enthusiasm. They recognised that by learning Makaton, they could break down barriers and provide a more
personalised service.
The training was both challenging and rewarding. We learned to use simple signs and symbols alongside speech,
which helps people who might struggle with verbal communication. It wasn’t just about learning a new skill; it
was about understanding and connecting with our customers in a more meaningful way.
What we’ve learned
One of the things that stood out during our training was how much it changed the way we approach our work. For
example, when we met a family who used Makaton, we were able to communicate with their child in a way that made
them feel comfortable and included. Seeing the relief and happiness on their faces was incredibly rewarding for
us.
It’s these small moments that have made us realise the true value of learning Makaton. It’s not just about making
our job easier—it’s about making our customers feel at ease during a time that can be quite stressful.
The impact
The impact of our Makaton training has been profound. Not only has it enhanced our ability to communicate with
customers who use Makaton, but it has also fostered a greater sense of empathy and awareness among our team.
We've received positive feedback from customers who appreciate the effort we've made to accommodate their needs,
and our staff feels more confident in their ability to provide inclusive, compassionate service.
Moving forward together
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s always more to learn. We’re committed to continuing
our journey with Makaton and finding new ways to make our services as accessible as possible.
We’ve learned that communication is about much more than just words—it’s about connection, understanding, and
making sure everyone feels heard. By sharing our experience, we hope to encourage others in our industry to
think about how they can make their own services more inclusive.