What we do
We currently have a Deaf Link Worker, who is fluent in BSL and works with Culturally Deaf individuals to help them to overcome barriers to services that are essential to daily life. The service is free and confidential.
The Deaf Link Service works with key services to create and develop reliable and sustainable access for the Deaf Community in Lancashire and is part of a strong network that is focused on improving independent access to support and information for Deaf. Our Deaf Link Worker takes every opportunity to inform professionals about the needs and rights of the Deaf Community in Lancashire and can provide bespoke guidance to settings to improve access for BSL users.
This is not an interpreter service, but we will work with individuals to support them to access an interpreter service or to communicate with services that should provide them. Referrals and queries into the Deaf Link Service will be processed and contact made within 10 working days. Where appropriate our Deaf Link Worker will arrange an initial meeting within a further 10 days of this contact. The meeting will take place either face to face or over video link as appropriate to the individual we are supporting.
Volunteer Support
Our Deaf Link Worker is supported by volunteers who help deliver regular drop ins in the community. These take place in St Anne’s and Preston once every month. At these sessions there is an opportunity to communicate in BSL face to face with our Deaf Support Worker and/or our Volunteers about everyday problems that are being faced. The drop-ins also provide opportunity for social contact with other BSL users.
Involvement Group
The development of our service is informed by the needs of the deaf community across Lancashire. We have established an Involvement Group. The Group is made up of our Deaf Link Worker and Volunteers and those who have accessed the service. The group meets regularly so that we can update its members on what we have been doing and for us to understand how they experienced our support and to get a steer on how we should try to develop the service.
Service Resources
We have created a range of factsheets about vital services and how they can be made Deaf accessible.
NHS 119 is available in British Sign Language (BSL) for Covid-19 tests and vaccinations - COVID Vaccine Information
Contact Us
Culturally Deaf adults can contact our Deaf Link Support Worker:
Text or Facetime : 07990788024
Email: suegardam@n-compass.org.uk
Please be aware that phone and email messages are monitored between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday but it could take up to 10 working days to make contact.
Professionals can refer to this service by:
Phone: 03450138208 (through our Service Access Team)
Email: admin@n-compass.org.uk .
For up to date information about our drop-ins, volunteer support, factsheets, or if you are interested in joining our Involvement Group please visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ncompass.org
Cath's Story
Cath is a culturally Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) user with limited literacy skills. Cath was referred to the Deaf Link worker after attending an Interpreter drop-in service. She had recently lost her job and bereaved of her partner and was facing eviction. Cath had tried to access services and companies...
