Imogen, Andrew, Vicki and Pirri are running the Barcelona Marathon on 15th March 2020 to raise money for SignHealth, The Deaf Health Charity.

Deaf people are twice as likely as hearing people to experience mental health problems, often due to social isolation caused by communication barriers and a lack of wider awareness of the problems that deaf people face. On top of this, they do not have equal access to the mental health services that hearing people do. SignHealth provides a range of services that help to combat this.

SignHealth works to improve the health and wellbeing of people who are Deaf. They provide some services directly in British Sign Language (BSL), working in partnership with the NHS and campaigning for change. 

Here are some of the ways your donation will help:

Therapy services - SignHealth provides therapy for Deaf people with depression, anxiety or similar disorders. Sessions are carried out entirely in sign language, with a therapist who is fluent in sign. It means there is no interpreter in the room, which would slow down communication and reduce the intimacy which is important to this kind of talking therapy.

Anti domestic violence services - SignHealth provides services to help Deaf women and children who are suffering domestic violence. The service is run by Deaf women and gives help and advice on how to be safe, and where to find refuge. At the moment the service is available in London, and they are trying to expand it elsewhere. The service also runs Young DeafHope which works with young people, teaching them about the rights and responsibilities which are part of good relationships.

Advocacy services - SignHealth’s Advocacy service helps Deaf people to understand the complex dealings of government departments and the legal system. For many Sign Language users English is a second language, and Deaf people can struggle to understand complex documents and ideas which are written in English. Advocates help Deaf people to understand what is happening, and the choices they have. It does not give advice on which choice a Deaf person should make.

Outreach services - SignHealth's advocacy service helps vulnerable Deaf people to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Workers visit the Deaf people they help where-ever they’re needed, often that’s in the homes of the elderly or infirm. Getting clients involved in clubs and societies is another way they help, because reducing isolation improves health and wellbeing.

Care Homes and Supported Housing - SignHealth's care homes for Deaf people with complex and long-term mental health problems are how SignHealth first began, and they are still a hugely important part of their service. They have six houses which give tenants their own bed-sit flat, and the care-home staff help the residents to build independence and increase confidence. All the residents and staff are sign language users, which helps to end the isolation which is a major cause of mental health problems for Deaf people. 

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