deafPLUS
Why we’re working together
One in three UK adults are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, according to RNID.
The British Deaf Association states 87,000 people may use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first or preferred language. Yet there are only 1,600 NRCPD-registered interpreters in the UK.
A lack of access to BSL interpreters when engaging with healthcare or council services means deaf people experience barriers to accessing essential support services.
Living with hearing loss brings a unique set of challenges, many of which have been intensified by the cost-of-living crisis. Fewer working-age adults with hearing loss are in employment compared to the general population, putting extra pressure on household incomes.
deafPLUS is one of the few organisations in England offering financial capability and energy advice in BSL.
Building on our successful eight-month pilot, we’ve launched a new programme to tackle fuel poverty in the Deaf community by providing inclusive access to energy support services for households in Scotland and the south of England.
What we’re achieving together
- Providing energy safeguarding and fuel poverty advice for Deaf households in BSL
- Raising awareness of carbon monoxide safety and providing accessible CO alarms to those most at risk of CO harm
- Educating households on the Priority Services Register and supporting Deaf households to join
- Facilitating video relay service (VRS) booths in community venues to allow BSL users to access online energy and financial services such as energy accounts, benefits applications and emergency support
- Connecting households to specialist energy, financial and wellbeing support from our Safe & Warm community partners
How to get involved
Accessing the energyPLUS service
As one of our Safe & Warm community partners, you can refer Deaf households struggling to maintain a safe and warm home to deafPLUS through the charity's website.
If you’re Deaf and need help to stay warm, you can get free advice in BSL from the deafPLUS Adviceline.
Becoming a partner
You can find out more about partnering with deafPLUS on the organisation's website.