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Information in BSL
We all have an idea about how we should be treated, and what our rights might be. Sometimes we feel we are being treated unfairly, but are not sure what to do about it. This is where SignHealth’s BSL Advocacy Service can provide support.
Our advocates can support you in many ways. Often you just need information about your rights, or to understand an official procedure. Sometimes, you might want an advocate to support you at a meeting, a tribunal, or a court hearing.
We will not decide what is best for you. You are in control. We just give you the information so you can make your decision. We work in partnership with you. By working with an advocate you can feel more confident about what you are doing.
For example, we’ve supported some Deaf people when social services have wanted to take their children away. This can obviously be very upsetting and very confusing. The child protection system can be very complicated. Our advocates help to explain what is going on and support the Deaf person to assert their rights. We try to make you feel positive about ‘signing-up’ for yourself.
Our advocates regularly work with patients at Mental Health Tribunals. We also work within the prison service.
Most of our work is paid for by official organisations. So, if you are complaining about your treatment at a hospital, we approach the hospital and ask them to pay for an advocate. They should do this. Hearing people would often get access to an advocate. We simply try to offer Deaf people the same access.
Our advocates are either Deaf or fluent signers. We try to offer the service everywhere in the country – though this sometimes depends on the funding.
To refer yourself, please complete this form and send it back to us.
You can also download our Advocacy leaflet, or our Advocacy poster. There is also a basic leaflet available.
SignHealth Advocacy Service
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