Published on: 19 January 2024
Members of Derbyshire’s Deaf community who are struggling with their mental health can now communicate with the county’s mental health helpline team in British Sign Language (BSL) thanks to a new video relay service. 
Previously, Deaf and hearing-impaired residents had to use a text relay service to get in touch with the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service. Now, they can contact BSL interpreters through the SignVideo app or website, say where they live, and the SignVideo team will connect them with a member of the helpline team.
The SignVideo service is being introduced to support NHS mental health helplines across the country – however it was the Derbyshire mental health helpline team who trained up the SignVideo interpreters in advance of the launch, led by mental health professionals from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (the lead partner in the helpline).
The Trust is committed to providing the right care and services for all communities, particularly when a person is in a crisis and needs urgent mental health support.
Eleanor Brett, Interim Area Service Manager for Urgent Assessment Services at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Everyone has to deal with mental health issues, and this is why it is important that we also support those in our Deaf community to access the mental health helpline service without any barriers, as they are such an important and flourishing community within Derbyshire.
“Our team of professionals are working hard to find a way to support all communities, which is why we’re pleased that SignVideo have collaborated with us so closely – so we can jointly help Deaf people to get the support they need, particularly in a crisis.
“This is a fantastic partnership that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
How does it work?
SignVideo allows deaf people to make BSL interpreted videos calls via their electronic device.
You can connect with a member of the helpline team by using SignVideo to seek immediate support for those with mental health concerns or who are experiencing emotional distress.
If you need support, first call 111 using the SignVideo app or SignVideo website. You will be connected via video link to a BSL interpreter. Please tell the BSL interpreter the name of the nearest town or city you are calling from.
The BSL interpreter will ask you if you want a physical health service or a crisis mental health service. If you choose 'crisis mental health service', the interpreter will contact the helpline team and will relay questions from the team using BSL.
For more information on how to use SignVideo, visit the Sign Video website’s FAQ page where a series of signed videos can also be found, or for more information on mental health support services visit the Derbyshire Healthcare website.
