Deaf Gathering Cymru: introducing Deaf Health Wales

Deaf Health Wales tackles health inequalities with and for the deaf BSL-using community in Wales.

Over 4000 people in Wales use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first or preferred language, yet they face persistent health disadvantages. These include inconsistent interpreting services, poor communication in healthcare settings (leading to mis- or under-diagnosis), higher rates of mental health problems, and limited access to outdoor and wellbeing resources for the deaf community.

Deaf Health Wales is a £1.04 million interdisciplinary project led by Bangor University in partnership with Swansea University, Public Health Wales and key deaf organisations across Wales.

The project brings together experts in language and communication, deaf mental health, interpreting services, law and human rights, and environmental access. Together with the deaf community, they will co-design and evaluate community-led solutions to improve health outcomes and service access.

Key initiatives include:

• Developing an online medical jargon dictionary and resource hub for interpreters and service providers.

• Creating video-guide apps for national parks and coastal paths to promote wellbeing for deaf people.

• Working with the NHS and health boards to improve communication, interpreting provision and equal care for deaf people at every stage of health-service delivery.

Why get involved?

By getting involved with our project, you help ensure that deaf people in Wales get the health access and communication rights they deserve. Your support will help translate research into real-world change, reducing health inequalities, improving mental and physical wellbeing, and empowering the deaf community to lead the change.

For more information, visit www.deafhealth.wales