Interpreting support
You can watch a BSL signed video which explains what the Derbyshire Deaf Communication Support contract covers and how to book a BSL interpreter.
You can also watch a BSL signed video about the Derbyshire Brain Health Toolkit.
The Action Deafness Derbyshire Community Group Facebook page is an excellent online space to connect with others and stay updated on everything related to D/deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing communities in Derbyshire.
A monthly face-to-face hub event is hosted at the Chesterfield Football club, which provides an opportunity for social get togethers and information events.
Visit Action Deafness for more information about their interpreting services, or:
This service supports adult social care and public health type appointments (adult safeguarding, Care Act assessments, communication support for deaf parents, smoking cessation, for example.
Social care support
If you feel you need more help due to your hearing loss or because you are deafened or Deaf, you may benefit from having a needs assessment for adult social care support. This means that a social worker or social care practitioner will contact you and arrange to visit you to discuss your needs and how they can best be met.
If you're found to be eligible for a service from us, we'll work with you to create a support plan that helps you to achieve your goals and outcomes.
To request a social care assessment, or for any other information, email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 533190. If you're a BSL user, you can use the Convo / Sign Live service to contact Call Derbyshire. You can find information on setting up a Convo / Sign Live account.
Hard of hearing support service
Hearing Help UK is a local voluntary organisation which provides support for people with hearing loss who are registered with a Derbyshire GP. Watch the Derbyshire hard of hearing support service video to find out more.
They offer information and advice and give demonstrations of the different types of environmental hearing equipment available that you may benefit from using.
Hearing Help run drop in sessions at venues in:
- Ashbourne
- Bakewell
- Bolsover
- Buxton
- Chesterfield
- Clay Cross
- Darley Dale
- Glossop
- Ilkeston
- Ripley
- Shirebrook
- Swadlincote
Contact
Hearing Help
156 Derby Road
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 8HU
Hearing loss, communication and brain health
Research shows that some factors linked to dementia risk can be influenced by the support and care we receive throughout our lives.
The 2024 Lancet Commission identified hearing loss as one of 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia.
Research suggests that untreated hearing difficulties are linked to an increased risk of dementia. However, hearing loss itself does not mean that someone will develop dementia.
For people who experience hearing changes, getting advice and support can make communication easier and help them stay connected with family, friends and their community. Staying socially active and engaged is important for overall wellbeing and may support long-term brain health.
Everyone's hearing journey is different. Some people benefit from hearing aids or assistive technology, while others communicate through British Sign Language (BSL), lipreading, communication support or other approaches. The important thing is having access to the support and communication methods that work best for you.
For help with hearing loss and communication support contact Hearing Help UK or telephone: 01773 570976.
Support for hearing difficulties can help you to:
- communicate more easily in everyday life
- stay connected to people and activities you enjoy
- maintain confidence and independence
- support your wellbeing and quality of life
- reduce feelings of isolation
- reduce the risk of falls
- access hearing aids, assistive technology and communication support where appropriate
- support long-term brain health
To request BSL interpretation support for adult social care or public health related matters, email adcommunications@actiondeafness.org.uk or enquiries@actiondeafness.org.uk
For information, advice or support about dementia, contact the Derbyshire Dementia Information and Advice Service.