British Sign Language (BSL) Links

We have created a list of useful resources.  If you have any thoughts about what could be included on this page, please contact USAIS on ais.training@soton.ac.uk.

NHS – how your information is kept safe

Link to page with NHS Your Data Matters Video with BSL

Supporting Services for Deaf people and professionals

 Hampshire Hearing Loss Team 

  • Deaf Instructors 
  • Birth to 4 years, 5 to 16 years, 16 to 25 years 

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/send/specialist-advisory/stas/hearing-loss/support

Sensory Impairment Team, Specialist Teacher Advisory Service

Office Tel: 0370 779 0779 or 07784 264622
Email: stas.service@hants.gov.uk

Website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/stas

Moodle: HCC Specialist Teacher Advisory Service (STAS) (mylearningapp.com)

SEN Support Guidance: sen-support.pdf (hants.gov.uk)

National Deaf Children’s Society  (NDCS) 

https://www.ndcs.org.uk/

  • Events, sign language courses, deaf awareness, deaf advocacy support 
  • Support for professionals 
  • Patients/families who are BSL users can contact them directly by using their ‘SignVideo’  helpline for support. https://www.ndcs.org.uk/website-accessibility

The Deaf Health Charity – Sign Health (all deaf staff who can sign)

https://signhealth.org.uk/

  • Psychology Therapy Service for Deaf people 
  • Domestic Abuse support 
  • Support for professionals 
  • Professionals can make referrals 
  • Outreach support 
  • Website fully accessible for all (written text, BSL videos, various contact methods) 

Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) – 

https://royaldeaf.org.uk/deaf-support-services/

  • Deaf support and advocacy 
  • Interpreters
  • Sign Language courses
  • Deaf Awareness training 

Signature – nationally recognised and accredited sign language courses 

https://www.signature.org.uk/

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) 

  • Employment support (both Deaf person and employers) 
  • Deaf Awareness 

https://rnid.org.uk/

Surrey Sensory Services 

https://sightforsurrey.org.uk/get-help/

  • Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, partially sighted and deafblind 
  • Interpreting/communication support service 
  • Events 
  • Deaf led support workers 

Dorset Deaf Communication Services – Communication Support for Deaf Adults (communication support workers)

https://www.deafcommunication.co.uk/

Deaf Careers: tailored for the Deaf Community 

https://deafcareers.co.uk/find-jobs/ 

The Deaf Academy, Exmouth – specialist curriculum, teaching, support and care to Deaf young people. 

https://thedeafacademy.ac.uk/

Residential Support

 Deaf Action – Residential care home on the Isle of Wight for BSL users 

https://deafaction.org/services/care-in-the-community/residential-care/

https://vimeo.com/showcase/10974073 (BSL videos about care home) 

Supported living home for independent living for Deaf people – New Forest, Hampshire 

https://www.achievetogether.co.uk/homes/supported-living-hordle-304/

All staff are fully BSL trained 

Deaf and hearing members of staff 

Safety for Deaf Community

BSL 999 App

Hampshire Police link officers for deaf people (PLOD)

Police officers and staff who act as police link officers for deaf people (PLOD) and are available for advice and information.

Our link officers:

  • hold qualifications in British Sign Language 
  • use their skills to assist in enquiries
  • provide advice and information
  • don’t provide interpreting for evidential procedures

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police – NON-emergency matters access for Deaf community

https://www.hampshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/hc/accessible-contact/

https://x.com/HantsPolice/status/1975481411214733425 (BSL VIDEO)

‘DEAF COMMUNITY CAN NOW ACCESS POLICE SERVICES USING NEW SIGN LANGUAGE SERVICE AND SYSTEM

Hampshire and IoW News

Members of the deaf and hearing-impaired community across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can now contact the force for non-emergency matters using a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter — thanks to the introduction of a Sign Video service.

The SignVideo service, which operates around the clock, connects BSL users to a qualified interpreter via video link. The interpreter then facilitates the conversation between the caller and staff in the police control room. It is entirely free, and accessible through the Sign Video app or website.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds, said:

“This service ensures that British Sign Language users can reach us when they need to; whether they’re reporting a crime, which isn’t an emergency, or contacting their local neighbourhood officer. We’re committed to enhancing our service so that BSL users not only have the ability, but also the confidence, to contact us whenever they need our help.”

To make use of the interpretation service, you can download the Sign Video app on your phone or tablet, or alternatively, you can use a web browser by visiting Video Relay Service App.

You can then contact police for free, through the Sign Directory by tapping on Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. For more information, please visit the signvideo website.’

Social

Bournemouth Deaf Club

https://www.facebook.com/bournemouthdeafclub/?locale=en_GB

Bournemouth Deaf Pub

https://www.facebook.com/events/694075880383551/

Fareham Deaf Club

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1195491041354088/?locale=en_GB

 What’s on In Deaf Hampshire

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1307071469321108?locale=en_GB

  • Social events
  • Deaf gathering board game café 24th October
  • Information sharing

Deaf Sailing

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1307071469321108/user/61576812486439?locale=en_GB

Southampton Deaf Children’s Society

https://www.shdcs.org.uk/upcoming-events/

  • Events