Help in a crisis

This information adds to the information on our help in a mental health crisis page.

999 BSL – UK Emergency Video Relay Service

999 BSL is the name of the UK’s first ever Emergency Video Relay Service in British Sign Language (BSL). The service is available to download as a smartphone app (iOS and Android) and access as a web-based platform.

Learn how to use 999 BSL and read some 999 BSL frequently asked questions. Or watch the video below.

NHS 111 – British Sign Language (BSL) service and text relay service

NHS 111 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about it from this video:

NHS 111 - BSL service

The NHS 111 BSL service is delivered by SignVideo. Using your computer and webcam or the SignVideo app on your smartphone or tablet, you make a video call to a BSL interpreter. The interpreter telephones an NHS 111 adviser and relays your conversation with them.

The NHS 111 adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best.

Where possible the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If the NHS 111 adviser thinks you need an ambulance, they will immediately arrange one for you.

Learn more about the NHS 111 - BSL service on the SignVideo website.

NHS 111 - Text Relay service

Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone. This is available 24 hours a day.

Find out how to use the Relay UK app or a textphone on the Relay UK website.

Childline - Deaf Zone

Childline is a service provided by the charity NSPCC. It helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, Childline's trained counsellors can support you.

Watch the BSL Welcome to Childline video below.