Royal National Institute for Deaf People
Unfortunately RNID (previously AOHL ) do not provide communication support services however, you may wish to get in touch with Action Deafness who specialise in the provision of communication support and may be able to assist you with your request.
You can find out more about Action Deafness and how to get in touch with them via Action Deafness website.
More information: Communication support (rnid.org.uk)
deafPLUS
deafPLUS is a voluntary organisation which provides a range of services to people who are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.
Nationally, deafPLUS services include:
- Advocacy, advice and employment support
- Personal support and development
In Somerset, deafPLUS run a Mobile Advisory Service that carries equipment and information, and visits towns and villages throughout the county. Somerset Mobile Advisory Service is a No Walk-In Location and covers Castle Cary, Frome, Glastonbury, Langport and Yeovil.
Contact deafPLUS:
Phone: 01225 446 555
Email: stewart.weston@deafplus.org
Website: www.deafplus.org
Deafinate Matters CIC
Deafinate Matters CIC (DMCIC) is a not for profit organisation that provides support for people living with deafness of any age. Additionally consultation and learning opportunities for organisations or individuals are provided to break down barriers to ensure effective communication.
Email: support@deafinatematterscic.org.uk
Website: D/deaf and Communication Support in Somerset – Deafinate Matters CIC
Children's Hearing Services
There is help and information available to support you and your child through the education system.
Hearing Support Team
The Hearing Support Team is part of Somerset Council’s Education Service. The team works with schools, families, early years practitioners, voluntary organisations and other services to support children and young people who have a hearing impairment that affects their education and help them to develop their full potential.
The team consists of various specialists, including specially Qualified Teachers of the Deaf, Specialist Support Advisors, and Educational Audiologists. The team provides teaching, support, advice and training that is tailored to each individual child.
What they do
They work with children and families in their homes and early years’ settings, to schools and colleges, from initial diagnosis to 18 (or 25 if they have an EHCP and are accessing education).
They provide teaching, support, advice and training tailored to each child and situation. This means that a priority is given to early Deafness and hearing loss – intervention, access to the curriculum and the development of language and literacy. The key focus is on partnership with the young person, their family, their school and other agencies to achieve the best educational outcomes for the learner.
Address:
Hearing Support Team,
Specialist Support Service,
Somerset Council,
County Hall,
Taunton,
TA1 4DY
Phone: 0300 123 2224
Email: specialistsupport@somerset.gov.uk
Website: https://www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk/hearing
National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)
This organisation runs events and activities for young people, families and professionals throughout the UK. There is an active local group. To find out more:
Website: www.ndcs.org.uk
General enquiries:
General contact form
Phone: 020 7490 8656
BSL video relay: SignVideo BSL
Helpline:
National Deaf Children’s Society Helpline – Get free information, advice and guidance
Fill out the contact form
Text: 0786 00 22 888
Address:
National Deaf Children’s Society,
5th Floor,
167-169 Great Portland Street,
London,
W1W 5PF
Mental Health Services
If you are Deaf and have mental health issues, there are some services to help you, and your carer, if you have one.
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
This organisation provides mental health services in Somerset. Psychiatrists, nurses and social care staff work together to support people with mental health problems. They have a specialist social worker who can advise on mental health problems for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. There are a range of mental health services that can support you, depending on your need.
Website: Home – Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
List of the range of services: Mental health services – Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Contact: Contact us – Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
There is a national specialist mental health service. The service is based in London, but covers the whole country. There are Deaf staff, and hearing staff who use BSL.
Address:
Elizabeth Newton Building 2,
Entrance 1,
Springfield University Hospital,
Elizabeth Newton Way,
London,
SW17 0YG
Phone: 020 3513 4646 (voice)
Email: deafadultservices@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
Website: www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
Counselling service for deaf people – SignHealth
This national organisation provides counselling for Deaf people who use British Sign Language.
Address:
SignHealth,
Canopi,
82 Tanner Street,
London,
SE1 3GN
Main Office
Text ONLY: 078600 33214
Email: info@signhealth.org.uk
Therapies Team
Text: 07984 439473
Email: therapies@signhealth.org.uk
Phone: 07966 976747
Mental Health services for young deaf people
Deaf Children, Young People and Family Service – South West
This service provides mental health support for Deaf and hearing impaired children and young people with emotional and behavioural problems across the South West.
Phone: 01823 368525
Email: CAMHSNDAdmin@SomersetFT.nhs.uk
Address:
Foundation House,
Wellsprings Road,
Taunton,
TA2 7PQ