TWO Plymouth mothers have launched a new business to help parents communicate with their babies after being inspired by their children.

Mandy Drake-Worth and Adele Marshall this week officially started-up Happy Signers, an organisation which teaches baby sign language for the benefit of deaf, as well as hearing, infants.

The pair who met at a disabled forum, are both driven by their passion for the subject of communication, and were helped by free business workshops and advice from Outset.

"My daughter was born with a bilateral lip and cleft palate, and this can be linked to deafness," said Mandy of Crownhill.

The 49-year-old said her 19-year-old daughter had endured 19 operations which had driven her to "give something back".

"I wanted to thank the charities that have helped her – The Cleft Palate Association and Plymouth Deaf Children's Society."

She teamed up with Adele from Milehouse, who is a baby signing instructor.

The 39-year-old explained: "Using signs with your baby means you can learn when they need food or drink – or even they've seen a bird. It is just amazing and fascinating to communicate with your children before they can speak. And it's been proven that those using signs know around 50 more words when they learn to talk, than those who don't."

Adele learned the art of signing after reading a book she spotted in the library when her three children were small. She works using the methods of signing and singing and props, games, puppets and even a bubble machine.

After meeting, the women signed up to Outset Finance, which they heard about through a flyer.

They received free one-to-one advice and sessions about business issues such as cash flow and market research.

Mandy said: "Outset have been absolutely phenomenal from the very first day of our course. They were really inspiring and helpful."

The pair both have British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications, paediatrics first aid and a BSL organisational license. They both also have CRB clearance and Adele has a psychology qualification and is a trained and qualified tutor.

Taster sessions begin February 7 on various dates at Yealmpton, Pomphlett and Plymstock, Woolwell and at the Wolseley Trust.

Classes begin February 21.

The pair added: "We are enthralled and ecstatic to start up Happy Signers and are both deeply and personally passionate about the subject."

To find out more visit www.happysigners.co.uk or see www.facebook.com/happysigners or call Mandy direct on 07742 844745.