British Sign Language training
We are aware of two local companies who provide BSL training courses and more: Signworld Study Sharpe
Universal Credit
Universal Credit (from Citizens Advice) Contact the Help To Claim service. Webchat is available. Or call 0800 144 8 444. Understanding Universal Credit (from gov.uk) New video service for deaf claimants accessing Universal Credit (from gov.uk)
New Emergency SMS service
For deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and speech impaired people. If you come across or are involved in an emergency you can use your phone to text the emergency services for help by texting 999. You MUST register your mobile phone number before using this service – send a text message to the number 999, with the word ‘Register’, […]
Domestic abuse
SignHealth is now also able to offer remote, online, specialised, support in domestic abuse. They have qualified Deaf Independent Domestic Violence Advisers who can communicate in British Sign Language (BSL). Their website has a wealth of information produced in BSL (with subtitles) https://signhealth.org.uk/video-category/domestic-abuse/ Text the number 88802 with the message 121SIGN Email – da@signhealth.org.uk (regularly monitored) […]
Domestic abuse – North Somerset
Next Link now provides domestic abuse support in North Somerset. They can be contacted via: 0800 4700 280 Text Relay is also available for callers who are deaf or hearing impaired. If using a textphone, prefix the helpline number by 18001.
Clear masks
Masks are becoming available with a clear screen to aid lip reading. We are aware of two products, both are suitable for day to day communication but are not for use in medical settings: https://shop.irishdeaf.com/clear-face-mask – a transparent face mask (€99 for a pack of 24) https://www.just-smile.uk – this is a fabric mask with a […]
Health access
The deaf health charity, SignHealth and online interpreting company InterpreterNow, have together launched ‘BSLHealthAccess’ which enables the provision of immediate, on demand access to British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for communication with Deaf people in health settings free of charge during the current Coronavirus situation. Users can download an app onto their mobile phone or computer so that […]
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{this is the introductory block for support for deaf people posts} We have closed our face to face service but you can still get advice from Citizens Advice North Somerset: Online – www.citizensadvice.org.uk Phone – Text relay – 18001 0800 144 8884 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) – available for people with hearing loss and/or speech impairment to access the phone […]