We have assigned a fake name to this story to protect the individual’s identity.
Arthur* has been receiving support from SignHealth’s outreach service in his home since 2013. Below, he talks about how having SignHealth’s support has changed his life.
‘The first time SignHealth came back in 2013, I just couldn’t believe the support they were able to give me. When I look back to before I had SignHealth’s support, I was really quite down. But with the support leading up to where we are today, my life is so much better, I have somebody to talk to and somebody that I know is going to come and see me. And I think of how it was in 2013 before their support, and it was really hard; their support has been invaluable. It’s been amazing.’
Before I had my support worker, I would receive important letters and would just have to put them to the side as I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t read them. But now I have my support worker, they help me to understand and to be able to fill out these forms and have these letters translated. And it’s certainly helped my confidence to grow. I’ve developed my confidence from the fantastic team of support workers, it’s been great.’
‘Before I had support from SignHealth, I didn’t go out and about at all. I didn’t meet other deaf people. But now with my support worker, I go out and play bingo. The first time I went I Bingo, I was like, wow, I felt emotional.
I felt quite teary-eyed because everybody around me was using sign language. I finally had that encouragement I needed, it took a while to build up my confidence. But now I look back, I can’t believe how far I have come. I think without my support workers, I would just be staying here at home. I’d feel lonely. My community was so small. SignHealth has shown me so much respect by coming in to support me and building up my confidence. It’s been wonderful. Fantastic!’
Can you help?
deaf people should be able to access the mental health support they need.
SignHealth are increasing our services to reach deaf children and young people. We are providing mental health workshops – delivered by deaf professionals to help young people like Arthur.
Could you donate today to support deaf people like Arthur? A donation of £10 could help one person to access our services.
Being deaf does not cause depression and anxiety.
Facing barriers every day does.
Deaf young people are twice as likely to experience mental health issues. Meet the real young people behind the statistic.
Lucy struggled with her mental health at university.
Charis had anxiety and wished she had support from a deaf professional.
Beth felt isolated and it really affected her mental health.
