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Ruth Hart

Charities call for action on sensory poverty in mental health response to COVID-19

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Five charities providing support for the 1.3 million people with sensory loss in Scotland have today called for action to help deal with the mental health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a major report published today by The Health and Social Care Alliance, deafscotland, RNID, Sight Scotland and Deafblind Scotland call on Ministers and MSPs to set out specific actions to address longstanding sensory poverty and to support people with sensory loss as part of the Scottish Government’s action plan “Mental Health – Scotland’s Transition and Recovery.”

The recommendations in the charities’ report “Mental Health, Sensory Loss and Human Rights” are rooted in the principle that Inclusive Communication is a human right and a gateway to the equal enjoyment of rights. The charities believe mental health services must be ‘Sensory Literate’ if they are to be accessible for people with sensory loss, with training for staff so they are aware of people’s specific needs.

Research undertaken by the charities has shown that people living with sensory loss have been particularly affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and that more needs to be done to help them deal with the mental health impacts of their disability. deafscotland’s report “Covid-19: The Communication Virus” found that self-isolation and social distancing left people affected by deafness more isolated than is usual and becoming mentally unwell without access to support.

Research by Sight Scotland has highlighted that two thirds of blind and partially sighted people felt lockdown had been a worse experience for them because of their sight loss. The charity’s report ‘Emotional Support for Sight Loss’ found that 85 per cent of blind and partially sighted had experienced challenges to their mental health but two thirds had not been offered support.

Speaking on behalf of the charities, Isabella Goldie, Chief Executive of Deafblind Scotland said:

“The impact of sensory loss is not only on physical health, but also on mental health and wellbeing. It is vital more people receive the support they need to cope with the emotional impact of sight loss, hearing loss and dual sensory loss.

“The experience of the pandemic has been particularly challenging for people with sensory loss. Many have had services withdrawn, faced additional problems with communication and language issues, and found social distancing challenging or impossible. As a result, many people with sensory loss have become increasingly isolated. Despite doing all we can to reach out longer term support and investment to protect the mental health and wellbeing of people who are unfairly and disproportionately at high is going to be needed like never before. The Scottish Government’s transition plan to tackle the mental health challenges arising from the pandemic is welcome, but needs more specific action which recognises the impact there has been for people with sensory loss. This is an issue which must be recognised by all parties as we approach the Scottish Parliament elections in May.”

“We have called for a range of actions, including accessible mental health services for people with sensory loss and a specific Scottish Government workstream on mental health support for sensory loss as we emerge from the pandemic. Fundamentally, this is also a human rights issue. Moving forward, it is vital that all mental health actions and policies are human rights checked so we can be confident they will be inclusive for people with sensory loss. We warmly welcome that the National Taskforce for Human Rights has already set out the need for an inclusive communications approach, but further actions are needed.”

Kirin Saeed is a campaigner for the rights of blind and partially sighted people. She sought bereavement counselling when she lost her husband, but this didn’t address the effect of her sight loss on her emotional wellbeing. “I felt like because I had further sight loss at the time of my bereavement, the counselling helped me with one part of what I was going through, but not the other.”

“Emotional wellbeing is not recognised enough in the disability community. Too often people think they just have to get on with it, and yet you have to fight battles at all levels so much of the time. You have to constantly argue for support, argue your case for equipment, argue your case for help with access to work. This is stressful in itself, not to mention the inaccessibility of information or services once you are offered them.”

Craig Flight from West Lothian receives support from Deafblind Scotland. Craig said:

“I have been struggling with becoming Deafblind. I’m young and it’s been a particularly isolating time. lockdown has created a big issue with my mental health. It’s really helped to have had DbS wellbeing team to talk to about everything and that made a big difference. Particularly when I have no family help. But this help is needed for everyone. No one should struggle with this alone and better support is needed to help people adjust to this really stressful and isolating time of realising you are losing both senses. It’s not something people should have to cope with alone.”

Article in Third Force News

STV News Coverage

STV News

John’s 26 Day 26 T-Shirt Challenge

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John Whitfield is writing and sharing a photograph for each day of his 26 Day 26 T-Shire Challenge. Raising vital funds for Deafblind Scotland during this time of national crisis.

You can support John here.

John writes:

I have been fundraising for Deafblind Scotland for many years.  this year I was going to be doing a couple of Kiltwalks. but due to the COVID-19 pandemic so many fundraising events have been cancelled and Deafblind Scotland rely on donations that are generated by these events.  Every day I walk over 2.6 miles and had put up a couple of pictures of myself on Whatsapp with my guide dog Peat next to a warning sign!  Some folk have come back at me saying. “cool t-shirt”.  so I thought I would put up a picture of myself and Peat everyday wearing a different t-shirt over the next 26 days covering 2.6 miles at least!!  the added fun factor is that I have not trimmed my beard or hair since the 4th March when my daughter got married, and  intend to keep this going till I emerge out of lockdown!  I will combine all the pictures, including some of previous ones and hopefully will be able to see the beard grow before your very eyes!!

Day 1 on Sunday 26th April wearing a Deafblind Scotland T-shirt with Peat by a caution sign at Carnoustie Golf course. The sign says, ” Flying golf balls from the left”.

Day 2. Wearing a T-shirt with an image of “Animal” from the Muppet Show. No idea why my kids think I am an animal – I get different ones each Xmas!! I am standing with Peat in front of another warning sign that says, “Beware. When flag is flying Access to MOD property is strictly forbidden”. The red flag is flying, and just after the picture was taken, a military police car went past! DbS Dangerman!!

Day 3 of the 26 Challenge. Wearing a T-shirt with a slogan saying, “The Older I Get the Better I Was!”. I am standing with Peat in front of another warning sign that says, “STOP. LOOK AND LISTEN. BEWARE OF TRAINS” . The sign is in front of a private railway crossing.
DbS Dangerman!!

Day 4 of the 26 Challenge. Wearing a T-shirt with a slogan saying, “Mad Bad and Dangerous to Know!”. This T-shirt was a present from a dear friend around 20 years ago, unfortunately she died a few years ago. Obviously, she knew me well!! I am standing with Peat in front of another warning sign that says, “DANGER MILITARY FIRING RANGE, KEEP OUT WHEN WARNING FLAGS OR LIGHTS ARE DISPLAYED” . Whilst posing there is the sound of gunfire in the distance!!
DbS Dangerman!!

Day 5 of the 26 Challenge. Wearing an old Deafblind Scotland T-shirt with Deafblind Scotland translated into Chinese writing below the logo. I had a number of these printed for myself and my two guide/communicators, Gina and Margaret, who supported me when we did the Great Wall of China. This was my first fundraising trek back in 2010 towards the, “Field of Dreams building”. 10 years on, and the building is built and proving to be a valuable asset to deafblind people. I am standing with Peat in front of a lake and behind me are 2 swans. 0ne of which is on a nest and has been there for the past week or so. There is a picture of her mate swimming towards me, just visible between my body and arm. a previous picture had both swans in the picture but no Peat. The male swan was swimming towards us to scare us away from the nest and his mate. It obviously worked, we scarpered pretty quick! Hopefully in the weeks to come, there will be baby swans (cygnets) in another picture.

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 6 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland. Wearing T-shirt with a slogan, ” LIFE IS BETTER WITH MY GERMAN SHEPHERD”. Thank goodness dogs cannot read, or else my 2 other dogs would be extremely jealous!

I am standing with Peat in front of a barrier that is to slow down cycles on a shared walkway along the coast. Literally around the corner where I live. On the barrier is 2 brooms tied together and a sign saying,” THESE TWO BRUSHES TOGETHER MEASURE 2 METRES”. This is make sure people are aware of social distancing. I have to say most people stick to the rules. The worst culprits are the cyclists, some will pass by within 2 feet of you! There is an added problem if you are deafblind because you do not hear the bell ringing behind you, which is useless as the ringing is competing with the noise of the sea and the noisy seabirds!

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 7 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland Wearing a red T-shirt with a slogan in white writing, ” LLAMA – MACCHU PICHU”. the T-shirt is a mock up of the PUMA slogan. I bought this in Cuzco, when I did my second trek which was the Inca Trail trek in Peru. I was supported my dearest friend Joy Sharp.

We inadvertently wandered into the Military of Defence firing range! I am standing with Peat in front of a red and white gate and on it is a sign saying,” DANGER NO ENTRY, LIVE FIRING IN PROGRESS”. Observant folk will see that Paddington the Bear is also in the picture, he came with me as my mascot and as we were going to Peru, he had a chance of staying or going? he came back and became a film star!!

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 8 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland Wearing a T-shirt with a slogan saying, ” PERU, INCA TRAIL TREK 26 04 14 TO 05 05 14.”. Ironically i wore a T-shirt yesterday that I bought in Peru. When I got back I saw a post from a fellow trekker Tracey Rousell reminiscing it was 6 years ago that we were actually doing the trek as we speak!! It was an amazing surreal experience.

I am standing with Peat in front of a sign saying,” DANGER DO NOT TOUCH ANY MILITARY DEBRIS IT MAY KILL YOU”.

Hmmm, starting to think this is a pretty dangerous place to live?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 9 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland Wearing a T-shirt with a slogan saying, ” ROLLING STONES, NO FILTER, EDINBURGH”. It was bought at the concert at Murrayfield a couple of years ago and the old Mick Jagger mouth and tongue is reworked in a two tone effect reflecting on Jekyll and Hyde image.

I am standing with Peat in front of a sign saying,” CAUTION, GOLF IN PROGRESS ON ALL SIDES. GOLF BALLS CAN CAUSE INJURY. PLEASE BE STILL AND QUIET WHEN GOLFERS PLAYING”.

I truly hope Peat can read signs? thankfully there is no golf during the lockdown and I have Becky with me.
DbS Dangerman!!

Day 10 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland
Wearing a T-shirt with a slogan saying, “OLIVERS MOUNT, SCARBOROUGH. HOME OF LEGENDS. ENGLANDS NATURAL RACING CIRCUIT”. It covered with pictures of famous motorbike racers. This was bought for me to remind me of my young motorcycling days and racing at Oliver’s Mount .40 years on, and still missing the motorbikes.

I am standing with Peat in front of a sign that has a picture of 2 people walking side by side and a bicycle above their heads. The sign is to indicate this is a share walkway for cyclists and pedestrians and that cycles should slow down and be respectful. i see that sign as saying, “look out, low flying bikes!”

I have spoken about the difficulties deafblind people experience on shared walkways. Even with Peat wearing his red and white harness i have had cyclists come up behind me, possibly ringing there bell to no avail, and then shouting at me to get out of the way. Perhaps if cyclist were aware of the Highway Code and what the red and white means, then there might be more consideration?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 11 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland

Wearing a black T-shirt with a yellow Batman motif. Another old shirt bought for me in mind of my liking for this character over the many years.

The picture shows me and Peat in the midst of a gorse bush! we must have gone off the beaten track? Judging by the expression on my face, it must be a, “pain in the gorse, or even a thorn in my side?”. Whichever, another example of the dangers that surround us, in this case mother nature is making an impact!!

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 12 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland Wearing a Grey T-shirt with a slogan saying, “WITH GREAT BEARDS COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILTY!”. there is a picture of a beard on the t-shirt. Quite ironic, as ! have not touched my beard since the 4th March and it is getting a bit feral at the moment!

I am standing with Peat in front of a sign next to a railway crossing, the sign says, “WARNING. DO NOT TRESPASS ON THIS RAILWAY. PENALTY £1000”. I am trusting Peat to go straight on, or else I am going to be skint! Great responsibilities rest on Peat’s shoulders?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 13 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland

Wearing a T-shirt with a slogan saying, “TREKKED THE GRAND CANYON”. This was my third overseas trek in March 2016, an amazing experience touching on the Route 66, the privilege of camping among the Havasupai tribe in the Grand Canyon and exploring to finally a day in Las Vegas. Again with the fantastic support of guide/communicator, my wee pal Leah Thom.

I am standing with Peat in front of 2 signs together with a large area of water and gorse bushes in the background. The signs say, “DANGER. DEEP COLD WATER, DO NOT SWIM” the other sign is, “THIN ICE, STAY AWAY “. I am trusting Peat to avoid either situation, again it raises the question, can Peat read?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 14 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland

Wearing a T-shirt with a very faded picture of Animal, from the Muppet Show. This T-shirt is practically an antique and one of my favourite shirts. We have tried to get a replacement one, but never the same as you will see throughout this challenge.

I am standing with Peat in front of a sign on the golf course which says, “WARNING GOLF IN PROGRESS. PLEASE EXERCISE CARE”. Not sure about the care aspect with golf balls flying about and not hearing people shouting, “FORE”? However, no golf is in progress due to lockdown, so I am exercising with care!!

Interesting fact, it is a glorious day and the picture shows me with the bright sky and lit up clouds which are dramatic, but as a result my face is in silhouette. Something to consider when communicating with a Deaf or deafblind person?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 15 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland

Wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “TRAIN HARD, WIN EASY”. This is one of my gym shirts that I have worn when getting ready for the various treks I have done. Not sure about the hard training makes the treks any easier, but if I hadn’t they would have been much harder or impossible in some cases!!

I am standing with Peat in front of a sign that is made up of 3 signs together at one of the entrances to the Military grounds which says, “DANGER, MILITARY FIRING RANGE, KEEP OUT WHEN RED FLAGS FLYING AND RED LAMPS ARE LIT “.

The sign below this one says, “DANGER, DO NOT TOUCH ANY MILITARY DEBRIS, IT MAY EXPLODE AND KILL YOU”

The last one says, “SLOW VEHICLE EXIT 5MPH” .

Definitely not the place to taking the wrong turning – are you paying attention Peat?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 16 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland

Wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS IS NOWHERE”. Another favourite t-shirt that I bought at a Neil Young concert that I went to in Glasgow a few years ago with my son.

Appropriate slogan, as it looks like we have wandered into the woods away from the beaten track!! if you look closely there are Bears and Wolves in this wood? I am standing next to a tree in which Paddington is hiding in the branches and Peat next to me.

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 17 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “EVOLUTION”. The shirt shows a series of 7 people ranging from an ape evolving into a man. The final picture is of a man walking a dog!

The shows me and Peat having wandered off the beaten track yet again? We are standing on the very edge of a very deep pond. This pond is hoaching (good Scottish word) with man-eating tadpoles at the moment. One more step we are doomed!

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 18 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “GETTING TO THE TOP IS OPTIONAL, GETTING DOWN IS MANDATORY”. I wore this shirt on Iceland Trekand one of the challenges was the Cat’s Spine – a very narrow rock bridge between 2 gorges! Both t-shirt and the challenge a favourite for Hasmita Patel😂😂😂

The picture shows me and Peat having wandered off the beaten track yet again? We are standing on a narrow strip of grass between two golf bunkers. Not quite the Cat’ Spine and at least a soft landing!!

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 19 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “ICELANDIC LAVA TREK CHALLENGE”. This was the last trek I did almost 2 years ago, a fantastic experience with many difficult and potentially dangerous adventures. As mentioned in yesterdays event, Cat’s Spine, hanging off chains over sheer drops, walking onto glaciers and behind waterfalls! All of which could not have been achieved without my two great pals and guides, Mick McCourt and Robert McCourt.

The picture shows me and Peat standing on a bridge with a sign saying, “WARNING, RISK OF FALLING, DO NOT CLIMB”. Could have done with some of these signs in Iceland!!

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 20 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “FREE TO A GOOD HOME”. Do not worry I am house trained and perform tricks for treats!😆😂This is another of my favourite gym shirts, but not worn for the past 2 years since my last trek.

The picture shows me and Peat standing by a barrier designed to slow cyclists down with a sign saying, “WARNING, GOLF PRACTISE AREA, EXERCISE CARE AND CAUTION WHEN USING THE CYCLEWAY”. It would be great if cyclists had to learn the highway code. Twice we were overtaken by cyclists coming within a couple of feet of us. My wife was with me, and she did not hear if they had rung their bells to alert us to move over.

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 21 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “THE DOGFATHER”. It is a mock up of the cover of the book, “THE GODFATHER”. a T-shirt bought for me due to my love of dogs. in all of my almost 62 years on this planet, I have only ever been 4 years without a dog!

The picture shows me and Peat standing outside a workshop area belonging to the golf course. There are a number of signs all around this area, we are standing between 2 signs which say, “PUBLIC NOTICE, MACHINARY AND HEAVY PLANT OPERATING IN THIS AREA, AUTHOURISED VEHICLES ONLY”. The other sign says, “ONE WAY” . It is very easy to follow the road around into this area if you take the wrong turning? I am asking Peat if he can read these signs?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 22 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “EDEN MILL, ST ANDREWS”.

This is from the Eden Mill Gin distillery. Ironically we can see St Andrews across the bay from where we live.

The picture shows me and Peat standing on the golf green with an irrigation pipe creating a water cloud behind us. Again serves us right for meandering off the beaten track — very close to getting a wet t-shirt! Not my ideal tonic for the Gin?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 23 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “I AM CURRENTLY UNSUPERVISED. I KNOW, IT FREAKS ME OUT TOO. BUT THE POSSIBLITIES ARE ENDLESS”. Yet another Animal from the Muppet show! Peat is wearing a red and white bandana as it is his 4th Birthday today!

The picture shows me and Peat standing on the edge of the pond with 2 swans coming towards us, they have 3 cygnets with them and obviously very protective of them. Peat is looking behind us at them as if to say, “Time we left?”.

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 24 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTNING VERY, VERY FRIGHTENING ME — GALILEO”. it is a reference to the famous Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody. Almost out of t-shirts now!!

The picture shows me and Peat standing next to a telegraph pole that has a sign on it saying, “DANGER OF DEATH. KEEP OFF”. The sign also has a picture of a black thunderbolt on a yellow background, striking a person who is lying down dead. Quite appropriate for the t-shirt i am wearing? I have my hand touching it and Peat is looking a wee bit concerned.

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 25 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “HIGHLAND PARK. J and S. GRANT and CO. HIGHLAND PARK DISTILLERS LTD. ORKNEY”. I confess i had to buy a t-shirt to get the 26 total? What could be more appropriate as this whisky is my favourite and I would have worn it this weekend at the Whisky Stramash this weekend in Edinburgh, sadly not going to happen!

Looks like we have wandered down the wrong steps and into the sea!! it is high tide so no beach to see. Peat is looking behind me, telling me we are about to get soaked. I don’t think salt water will go with the Highland Park somehow?

DbS Dangerman!!

Day 26 of the 26 Challenge raising funds for Deafblind Scotland wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “DEAFBLIND SCOTLAND”. The last T-shirt of the challenge and it is a very old Deafblind Scotland shirt that I got when I first got involved with this charity 21 years ago!! Practically an antique!

Peat and I are standing on the platform at Carnoustie train station with several signs behind us. The most significant one says. “PASSENGERS MUST NOT CROSS THE LINE”. Interestingly enough there is no tactile indication of where this line is, and I know of a visually impaired person having gone the wrong direction when getting off the train and gone down this section!

The other picture shows Peat and myself with the train approaching us from behind, Peat is making sure I do not move over to my right in front of the train!

DbS Dangerman!!

COVID-19 Information in BSL

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NHS Inform

NHS Inform have updated their COVID-19 BSL page to include BSL videos produced by NHS Lothian on the following topics:

1)      Washing and Cleaning

2)      Wellbeing and Symptoms

3)      Social Distancing

4)      Shielding

5)      Household isolation

6)      Pregnancy

7)      Helpline

8)      Text message service

https://www.nhsinform.scot/translations/languages/british-sign-language-bsl/illnesses-and-conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

 

 

First Minister’s Updates

Monday 20th April:           https://www.facebook.com/158845110844485/videos/270831670600106/

Tuesday 21st April:           https://www.facebook.com/BritishDeafAssociation/videos/643945253119095/

Wednesday 22nd April:  https://www.facebook.com/BritishDeafAssociation/videos/269961644027286/

Thursday 23rd April:          https://www.facebook.com/BritishDeafAssociation/videos/662773801184102/

 

BDA Website:  

For those who have no access to Facebook, go to https://bda.org.uk/covid19/.

 In addition, there are some BSL clips on myths about COVID-19 that need to be busted . They can be found at the bottom of the web page.

 

Information from NHS Inform 06/04/20

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Please note that the following information applies to Scotland (06/04/20).

NHS Inform

NHS inform is currently hosting a significant amount of information on COVID-19 (the coronavirus) including a self-help guide to check your symptoms and get advice.
Go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

The Scottish Government, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian and NHS 24 have been working together to provide translations of COVID-19 information. This is being translated into Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Polish, Romanian, Czech/Slovak, Spanish, Urdu and British Sign Language (BSL).

Easy read and audio versions will also be available.

 

Translated information will be available under five headings:

 

Translations (including COVID 19) are published on NHS inform – go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/translations

BSL videos are on NHS inform YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/nhsinform) and embedded on NHS inform. Go to www.nhsinform.scot/translations/languages/british-sign-language-bsl/illnesses-and-conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 – BSL users can go to the dedicated short URL (www.nhsinform.scot/BSL) to find all the BSL translations (including COVID-19)

Easy read resources are published here on NHS inform www.nhsinform.scot/translations/formats/easy-read/coronavirus-covid-19

There is also a section for professionals with COVID-19 translated posters for download, as well as a communications toolkit. Go to:

www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-professionals

Please keep checking NHS inform for the most up-to-date quality assured information in English, translated and in alternative formats.
Go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

 

NHS Inform want everyone who visits the website to feel welcome and able to find information whatever their circumstance.

To do this they have:

  • designed the website to be accessible and usable for everyone
  • provided alternative text and subtitles for media content (where appropriate)
  • written in plain English – making information easy to read and understand
  • used Browsealoud, a free tool for reading and listening to information from your browser on any device.

Please see the Accessibility page for more information

 

How to access NHS 24 services

NHS 24 staff are also looking to introduce a SMS messaging service, Chat Bot, and web chat, initially on the COVID-19 helpline ( 0800 028 2816) and intend to provide more information on this soon.

The Relay UK service provides a centralised relay service for people who are deaf and without speech. This can be accessed by the app or by text phone. Of note, the operators also answer 999 emergency calls. You can call  NHS 24’s 111 service (18001 111) or NHS inform (18001 0800 22 44 88) or for Emergency 999 calls the number is 18000, using this relay service.

contactSCOTLAND –BSL service can be accessed by people who are Deaf or deafblind and use BSL. The contactSCOTLAND-BSL staff are fully aware of NHS 24 services, including the COVID-19 helpline (The  NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service is available in England and Wales).

 

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19

If you’ve developed a new, continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms, even if you think your symptoms are mild. Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital.

You should phone 111 if:

  • your symptoms worsen during home isolation, especially if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group
  • breathlessness develops or worsens, particularly if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group
  • your symptoms haven’t improved in 7 days
  • If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Image description:

Coronavirus, wash yourhands more often for 20 seconds. Use soap and water or a hand sanitiser when you: Get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, east or handle food. Coronavirus, protect yourself and others. Find out more at nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

Fundraising News 2019

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Our fundraising team have had a wonderful 2019, with a variety of fun and inspiring events throughout the year.  In June our annual Millport cycle was a roaring success with 41 people taking on the fantastic cycle around the beautiful isle.  We were marvellously hosted by Margaret at The George Hotel, who treated us all to a fine feast at the end of the cycle.  Just a few weeks later, it was Deafblind Awareness week where we hosted a range of activities including our first family fun day with one of our corporate partners The Old Gatehouse in Lenzie.  There was fun and games for everybody, including a dog show and old-fashioned fairground games made by The Kirkintilloch Men’s Shed.

Another corporate partner, Arnold Clark South Street Ford / Mazda Glasgow put their pedal to the metal by challenging themselves to a static cycle from their store in Glasgow to the most southerly branch in Southampton a total of 354 miles!  Arnold Clark generously match fundraised the sponsorship money raised by their team.

On 01 December, on the coldest day of the year over 140 brave souls endured the cold to take part in our Santa Dash at Victoria Park, Glasgow.  It was a real community event and a great atmosphere, with smiles on everyone’s faces which warmed us all up!  Our ambassador Gordon Smith started the dash with Santa’s bell, as the starters horn froze!  We even had a visit from the real Santa Claus, much to the delight of the many children participating.

DbS Chairman wins the Unsung Hero 2018 award

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Huge congratulations to Bob Nolan, Chairman of Deafblind Scotland, for winning the Unsung Hero 2018 award at the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2018. His award was sponsored by InterpreterNow.

Here is the text of his speech from the night…

Hi Everyone,
Just want to thank you for all your kind messages and support for last night’s Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award. Whilst it was focused on this year’s Three Peaks Tandem Challenge I know it had a lot to do with all four challenges over the years and my time with Deafblind Scotland and DBUK. It was wonderful to be back at the home of Lancashire Cricket Club where I spent many happy days watching cricket with a packed lunch from my mum. It was also great for Louise and I to share the evening with some dear friends who have supported us so often. I want to thank Jackie and Richard at DSPY for organising last night’s event and Andy and the InterpreterNow team for sponsoring my award.

People ask why I do these things and the glib answer is I enjoy them! I like setting targets and stretching myself to beat them. I also do them to raise awareness of Deafblindness and money for our Field of Dreams project at DbS. I was so proud when HRH Princess Anne opened the building in October last year. However, I also do these challenges because they inspire me to do more and I hope, inspire others Deafblind or not, to do challenges of their own. What you get out of life is largely down to what you put in and I’ve been so fortunate over the years with my family and friends and some amazing adventures.

Now if I may, I’d like to add a bit more to what I said last night when I received my award and thank a lot of people. Firstly Abbie and Martin for accompanying us on our first ‘LEJOG’ tandem challenge in 2008 and for nominating me for the DSPY award. I’d like to think it was because they thought I deserved it but I wonder if it was also a thank you for not bullying them into doing any more challenges! Drena and Hammy for their support, encouragement and great company on all our challenges. Between us, we also saw some amazing scenery. Our son Josh for giving up his leaving school parties to cycle the Scottish Islands in 2011 and my godson Michael for accompanying us on our 2013 Scottish Cities ride. For the Three Peaks a massive thanks to Jerry and Fred who did all the cycling and who also completed their own 3 Peaks between them. As for the Three Peaks themselves, Judith, David, Gillian, Iain and Alison all helped Louise Jerry and Fred get me up and down safely. As well as the 3 Peaks Jerry and Judith also accompanied us on parts of our previous challenges on their yellow peril tandem. I’d also like to thank all my friends at Deafblind Scotland, DBUK, Shell and elsewhere for your generous support and sponsorship over the years.

The real unsung hero of course is Louise. She has done all the Challenges with me on the tandem including 1000’s of miles of training and she climbed all 3 Peaks this year, mostly following my tortuous progress from behind to ensure I didn’t stray from the path. She supports me in everything I do and her cooking is not bad either!

Lastly I want to remember Richard and Jane who supported our challenges so enthusiastically and Jane in particular for her brilliant blogs. Sadly, Richard succumbed to MND shortly after we completed LEJOG in 2008 and it’s hard to believe we lost our dear friend ten years ago now. I really miss him and as yesterday was also his birthday, I thought it was fitting to dedicate my award to his memory. Anyone who can come up with the immortal lyric “the prat on the tandem left his phone behind” surely deserves it.

Thanks again everyone, you’ve been great … Kilimanjaro here we come!
Robert

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