Useful resources for support during the Coronavirus outbreak
We’ve put together a list of links to useful sources of information and support related to Coronavirus for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
There is a lot of support out there and please know you’re not alone.
We’ll keep updating this list and if you know of any websites and resources that could be added, please send them to us by email at
of****@cf*.uk
Advice and information about Coronavirus
Signhealth
Coronavirus information videos in BSL.
NHS 111 for BSL users
Interpreter Now site for BSL users to contact NHS 111 if you have symptoms or any concerns about your health.
NHS advice
NHS website with information about Coronavirus and all the latest advice about looking after your health and how to stop the infection spreading. (English only, no BSL)
Government guidelines on Coronavirus
Government website with guidelines on Coronavirus and advice on a range of matters such as employment concerns and school closures.
(English only, no BSL)
Deaf UK Coronavirus website
A new website set up by Jen Dodds and other volunteers to make Coronavirus information more accessible for Deaf BSL users.
Local services
We Are Bristol Coronavirus hotline
A free telephone hotline run by Bristol City Council for anyone concerned about feeling isolated or needing help to get food, essential items or medicine. Deaf BSL users can contact the hotline via a BSL Interpreter using SignVideo. If you prefer to use a text relay service you can download the NGT lite app and ring the Council on the hotline number as normal and the app will convert your text to speech for the call handler.
Bristol City Council’s Sensory Impairment Team
Information on changes to their service during the Coronavirus outbreak and how to access support in BSL by video.
Adult Audiology in Bristol
Information on what is available through Adult Audiology’s reduced service and how to arrange appointments for any essential repairs to your hearing aids.
Age UK Coronavirus Support Hub
A support hub for older people in Bristol and their families. The hub provides a range of support for older people including practical support via a helpline, emotional support and virtual activities.
Online support
BSL Health Access
A free BSL interpreting service for health related situations such as GPs, dentists, pharmacies, opticians, NHS hospitals and any health-care related appointments. The service is available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Deaf translators/BSL interpreters Volunteer Responders Facebook group
A Facebook group set up by Lynn Stewart-Taylor and other volunteers where you can ask for interpreter assistance if you have any non-emergency communication needs, such as contacting your GP, school, or family via phone or help with checking emails and translating letters.
Deaf Stay At Home Facebook group
A Facebook group set up by Lynn Stewart-Taylor and other volunteers which is a supportive online community sharing information about Coronavirus in BSL so that Deaf people know what to do to keep themselves and other people safe.
Sign Pals
A project encouraging new friendships in the UK BSL community. You can sign up and get matched with other Deaf people based on your hobbies and interests. Pals all use BSL and use video call to get to know each other.
For families with Deaf children
The National Deaf Children’s Society
There is a range of very useful information for families with Deaf children on the NDCS website.
Home School Support for Deaf/BSL using parents Facebook group
A group to support BSL using parents with home schooling. Offering activity ideas and help with explaining and interpreting work your children have been asked to do by their school.
Mental health
During this stressful time it’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Here are links to some organisations who can provide support if you need it.
Samaritans
Contact the Samaritans to discuss anything you’re going through that’s causing distress. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing can contact the Samaritans for support by email using
**@sa********.org
or by using the Next Generation Text (NGT) service. You can contact Samaritans using the NGT service on the number 0330 094 5717.
Shout
Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer.
Signhealth
Signhealth runs a psychological therapies service in BSL.
Signhealth’s Domestic Abuse Service
Signhealth also run a service for support with domestic abuse.
Deaf4Deaf
Deaf4Deaf runs a service offering sign language counselling.
Every Mind Matters
Useful tips to help if you’re worried about Coronavirus on the NHS’s Every Mind Matters website.
Womankind
Bristol Women’s Therapy Centre offers telephone and online support for all women.
This includes this web chat service for Deaf women.
The Silverline
A national helpline dedicated to older people which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How to volunteer
If you’d like to help out during the Coronavirus outbreak, here are links to two places where you can sign up to volunteer.
To volunteer for the NHS
NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS and the care sector during the Coronavirus outbreak. You can sign up to help in a number of ways, such as collecting medicine for people who are self-isolating or helping with patient transport.
To volunteer in the local community
The Can Do website has information about how to sign up to volunteer in the local community. This support is being co-ordinated by Bristol City Council and Voscur.
Places to buy local food and produce
Bristol Food Union
Bristol restaurants and food shops and suppliers have created a website with listings of where you can buy local food. It includes information about places which do deliveries.
