Public Health

BSL

What is Public Health hub?

The Public Health Hub, led by Paul Redfern and Helen Rose-Jones, has the role of supporting deaf Communities across Wales to enjoy better health and wellbeing. Part of this work is through increasing the access to health information and services in BSL.

Mapping Services in Wales

We’re investigating what BSL services exist across Welsh Health Boards and how often BSL interpretation is requested.

Promoting Health in Deaf Clubs

We’re raising awareness about Type 2 diabetes and healthy choices in deaf community spaces.

Supporting Public Health Teams

We’re working with services like Help Me Quit and Healthy Weight, Healthy You to improve BSL access.

Using What’s Already There

We’re identifying high-quality BSL health videos that can be shared on national platforms like Public Health Wales.

What are we doing?

Mapping access to services

We’re reviewing how accessible Health Board websites and hospital services are for BSL signers, and sharing findings with interpreting services.

Engaging with public health teams

We’re working with services like Help Me Quit and 111 press 2 to improve access and visibility of BSL support.

Connecting with the deaf community

We’re visiting Deaf Clubs to share BSL health resources and discuss key topics like diabetes and healthy living.

Improving health information

We’re identifying existing BSL health videos that can be promoted through national websites like Public Health Wales.

Deaf people in Wales still struggle to access vital public health services. From websites to stop-smoking support, too much information isn’t in BSL. That lack of access affects our health and our choices. We’re working to change that so deaf people can get the support they need to live well.

Facts & Figures

There are between 4,000 to 69,000 BSL signers in Wales
Deaf people face unfair barriers to having good health and wellbeing, particularly regarding mental health
BSL does not currently have the same legal standing as the Welsh language and so it is often seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than being essential
Health and medical resources in BSL are limited, leaving many deaf people struggling to access essential information about their health.

Your experience matters

Have you struggled to get health advice or support in BSL? Do you have ideas for how public health services can do better?

FAQs

How important is this hub?

This hub is important because deaf people face barriers to good health and wellbeing in many aspects of life. This is not fair, and it needs to be addressed.

What kind of initiatives are planned?

We’re running more outreach events at Deaf Clubs and community spaces, and meeting with NHS and third sector colleagues to co-produce solutions and promote BSL in public health services.

Why is this necessary?

Deaf people are too often excluded from public health messages and services. Without access to BSL information, we’re denied the chance to make informed choices. We’re building evidence to show where and how the system must change.

I want to help - what can I do?

You can share your experiences, join one of our events, or help spread the word. Whether it’s feedback or helping us connect with your community, we’d love to hear from you.