Deaf assistance

SignVideo service

SignVideo Video Relay Service provides an innovative communication solution designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use British Sign Language (BSL).

This service bridges the gap between BSL users and hearing individuals by facilitating real-time video calls with professional BSL interpreters.

Start a video call

Initiate a call

To connect with a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, click the call button on this page. This action connects you directly to a BSL interpreter who will facilitate your communication with our contact centre team.

Seamless communication

The call proceeds just like any standard call. The team don’t need any special equipment or training; to them, it's just another call. Your conversation can be routed to the appropriate department or staff member as needed.

Interpreter assistance

At the start of each call, the interpreter will introduce themselves and state they are from SignVideo before they begin interpreting for you. During the conversation, you should speak directly to the caller—not the interpreter. The interpreter may ask for clarifications or ask you to repeat information to ensure accurate communication.

Concluding the call

Before ending the call, ensure all your questions have been addressed. There may be short periods of silence as the interpreter translates your questions and the responses.

Commitment to confidentiality and compliance

The interpreters are highly qualified, holding NRCPD qualifications and at least three years of community interpreting experience, ensuring high-quality and sensitive handling of all communications.
We adhere strictly to the Data Protection Act (DPA). Accepting calls via SignVideo does not breach the DPA, provided that the caller passes the necessary security checks.
All information shared during calls is treated with the utmost confidentiality, and interpreters are prohibited from discussing call content with third parties.

Deaf community statistics

There are approximately 151,000 deaf BSL users in the UK.
BSL is a complete language with its own grammar and syntax, differing significantly from Makaton.
For many deaf BSL users, English is a second language, which makes traditional text-based communication methods less effective.
Deaf individuals are twice as likely to experience poor mental health compared to the general population.