Newsletter – April 2020
This is a very tough time for all of us – and especially for those who have lost loved ones. It is also a tough time for those who have mental health issues and who have to stay at home, only to go out for shopping or exercise. We also know that those of you who are still working are trying to do your best to support people and are reporting a lot of pressure.
Do remember – there are other organisations out there that can help. Especially if you work for a charity, there are quite a few funding opportunities to help you support your clients with mental health issues. This is one example: https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/funding/apply-grant/.
Another is https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/news/coronavirus-update
Also many councils are making available some funding to help people – here is one example https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/business-community/community-and-voluntary-sector/supporting-voluntary-sector/covid-19-community-fund
Do check out the local funding opportunities as these may make a big difference for Deaf people with mental health issues struggling to cope with lockdown restrictions.
There are daily updates provided by different organisations e.g. BSL Zone: https://www.bslzone.co.uk/covid-19-news-info and Signhealth: https://signhealth.org.uk/resources/coronavirus/ There may be more that I’m not aware of.
On a different note – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust have set up a new website about suicide prevention. There are videos in BSL available to watch – this is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJqa8junc10 which deals with depression and low mood – for partners. The website can be found on https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/home/accessible-information/bsl/#self-help-guides
And here is some good news! SignHealth with Interpreter Now have announced a new service for to provide free interpreting to Deaf people who are affected by coronavirus: www.BSLHealthAccess.co.uk. For the BSL version of the announcement see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ4vAZufrVs
Stay safe!