Support for people who are deaf blind or have sensory impairments

If you are deaf, blind, or have both hearing and vision loss, you can receive specialist support and adjustments as part of your care and support plan.

What to expect from adult social care

specialist assessments – a sensory impairment assessment will look at what help you need to stay independent
communication support – you can get BSL interpreters, or large print, to access council services/information
assistive technology and equipment
mobility and independence training
specialist carers – if needed, your care plan can include carers trained in supporting deaf and blind individuals

Who can get support?

If you have a hearing impairment or vision loss, you can request an assessment to see what services are available.

How to access support in Lewisham

British Sign Language (BSL) support - 24-Hour Online BSL Interpreting - SignLive

The Council provides a free 24-hour online BSL interpreting service called SignLive. This service allows you to communicate with Lewisham Council using a live BSL interpreter via video.

Download the SignLive app on Android or Apple smartphones, tablets, or desktops. Scan the code on this page using a QR reader. Log in and find Lewisham Council in the SignLive directory. You'll need to register the first time. This will keep your account secure and means we can call you back if we need to. A BSL interpreter will translate the conversation between you and a council staff member.

How to get support in Lewisham

In-person or remote BSL support

If you need face-to-face help, Lewisham’s Adult Social Care Gateway Team has BSL-qualified staff who can:

help with council services, benefits, and adapted equipment
assist with writing letters, filling out forms, and making phone calls
arrange a BSL interpreter for appointments

Ground Floor, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, SE6 4RU, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. BSL surgeries at Laurence House to Wednesday 9am-5pm. You can also use SignLive for BSL interpretation during in-person visits.

Social care support for deaf or hard of hearing residents

The Council provides assessments, equipment, and specialist services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Phone, text or WhatsApp: 07702646517. Email: gateway@lewisham.gov.uk. Address: Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU. Support includes hearing aid equipment, adaptations for your home, and advice on social care services.

Advocacy support for deaf residents – POWhER

If you have difficulty making decisions about your social care, you have a legal right to an advocate who can speak on your behalf. POWhER provides free and independent advocacy services, including:

Care Act Advocacy – Help with social care assessments, reviews, and support plans.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) – Support if you lack capacity to make big decisions about medical treatment or accommodation.
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) – Help if you are detained under the Mental Health Act

Contact POWhER Advocacy. Phone: 0300 456 2370 or email: pohwer@pohwer.net.

NHS Complaints Advocacy – Healthwatch Lewisham

If you need help making a complaint about NHS services (GPs, hospitals, dentists, opticians, or the ambulance service), you can get free advocacy support from Healthwatch Lewisham. Contact NHS Complaints Advocacy. Phone: 020 8315 1916 or 020 3886 0196 or email: info@healthwatchlewisham.co.uk.

Need help?

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or need BSL support, you can contact our adult social care team or use the SignLive service to speak with someone who can assist you.

Published on: 23/05/2025