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.
For more information, contact deafPLUS:
2 Queens Parade
Bath
BA1 2NJ
Phone: 01225 446555 (voice)
Fax: 01225 333505
Email: bath.office@deafplus.org
Website: www.deafplus.org
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, preschool 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, teaching assistants, Higher Level teaching assistants 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 from initial diagnosis to 16 (or 19 if they are in full time local 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.
Hearing Support Team
Sensory, Physical and Occupational Therapy (SPOT) Service
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton,
TA1 4DY
Phone: 01823 357000
Email: spotservice@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:
Phone: 020 7490 8656
Minicom: 020 7490 8656
Fax: 020 7251 5020
Email: ndcs@ndcs.org.uk
Website: www.ndcs.org.uk
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.
For more information, contact:
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
2nd Floor, Mallard Court
Express Park
Bristol Road
Bridgwater, TA6 4RN
Phone: 01278 432000
Fax: 01278 432099
Email: ask@sompar.nhs.uk
Website: somersetft.nhs.uk/
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.
South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Springfield University Hospital
Building 15, 2nd Floor
61 Glenburnie Road
London SW17 7DW
Phone: 020 3513 4646 (voice)
SMS text: 07766 257846
Fax: 0203 513 5629
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.
SignHealth Counselling
5 Baring Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 2NB
Phone: 01494 687600 (voice)
SMS text: 07966976749
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.
CAMHS South West
Phone: 01823 368373 (voice)
Fax: 01823 368552
SMS Text: 07798 667960
Email: ndcamhstaunton@sompar.nhs.uk