6.) Where is the information and updates on the coronavirus in BSL?

Charity ‘SignHealth’ provides daily updated information on the Coronavirus on their Facebook and YouTube channel. BSL users can contact Devon County Council using the InterpretersLive service. 

We provide additional support for the Deaf community on our website Your Deaf Community You contact Justine in our Deaf Led Services team and Mark from our Deaf Get Active team both use British Sign Language.

7.) Can I get the information in an alternative format, such as an easy read guide or in large print?

Easy Read guides can be found on the Learning Disability Devon website. If you need information in another language or format please contact customer@devon.gov.uk, phone 0345 155 1015 or SMS text ‘Devon’ then your message to 80011. 

Somerset County Council coronavirus helpline 0300 790 6275, or if you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can contact them using SMS text: 07781 482858. 

Cornwall County Council email DIAL Cornwall for advice for disabled people, carers and families or call  01736 759500.

Dorset Council call 01305 221000 for help and advice or email us communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.​

NHS England and NHS Improvement have launched a series of animations aimed at tackling confusion and worry about the COVID-19 vaccine. These animations are available in 17 different languages. The videos (audio and subtitled) cover key topics including vaccine safety, how it was tested, how it was developed so quickly, what is in it, and what the side effects are.

You can view these videos with the transcript HERE. For correct and accurate information on the coronavirus, and the covid-19 vaccine visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Book your coronavirus vaccination appointments online.

13.) I’ve heard that scam, crime and violence might be on the increase due to the coronavirus?

The outbreak of the coronavirus has seen an increase in scams and doorstep traders who are trying to exploit fear and uncertainty.  They often target elderly and vulnerable people and usually imitate Benefit or Government emails.  Please keep safe, always ask for a persons ID if you are unsure and don’t open links and attachments from unknown emails. 

Isolation may increase domestic abuse, violence, and crime, please be assured there is help available, our Victim Support team work closely with Victim Care Devon and Cornwall to provide victim support services to disabled and Deaf communities across Devon.  We offer support for both reported and non-reported crimes, helping the victim to overcome the affects caused by a crime. Our volunteers are trained to give emotional support, information, practical help (including in British Sign Language) to people that have been affected by a crime. This is a free and confidential service call us on 01392 459222 or SMS text 07734 768910 or email info@livingoptions.org​

There are several different ways to contact the police depending on the support you need. Remeber in an emergency always call 999. To find our more about their support services during the pandemic visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website.