British Sign Language (BSL)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

NHS Inform

NHS Inform have updated their COVID-19 BSL page to include BSL videos produced by NHS Lothian on the following topics:

1. Washing and Cleaning
2. Wellbeing and Symptoms
3. Social Distancing
4. Shielding
5. Household isolation
6. Pregnancy
7. Helpline
8. Text message service

Perth & Kinross Council Equality Outcomes

British Sign Language Plan

The British Sign Language plan will support people with British Sign Language as a first or preferred language to be fully involved in daily and public life as active and healthy citizens.

The plan can be viewed below and is also available in plain english (PDF) [725KB]  and easy read (PDF) [1MB] .

BSL community members, their families and organisations who work with them have had the opportunity to tell Perth & Kinross Council their thoughts on the draft BSL plan at public events in advance of the publication of the final version of the BSL Plan.

The Council also heard directly from 'BSL users' and their families on how best to ensure people with BSL as a first or preferred language have equal access to Council services and supports. The plan has now been amended in response to comments received through the consultation process and we made the final BSL version available for comment prior to it being published.

The plan is in line with the Scottish Government's British Sign Language (BSL) National Plan 2017-2023 and the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 which requires public bodies in Scotland to publish plans every six years, showing how they will promote and support BSL.

We have held a first meeting with local BSL users so that they can help us deliver the actions in the Perth & Kinross Council BSL plan. If you wish to be involved in this BSL Users Group, please contact equalities@pkc.gov.uk.

British Sign Language (BSL) users can also contact the Council via https://contactscotland-bsl.org/ or by telephoning 01738 475000.