999 BSL is the name of the UK’s first ever Emergency Video Relay Service in British Sign Language (BSL). The service is available to download as a smartphone app (iOS and Android) and access as a web-based platform. It launched on 17 June 2022.
In a statement on 27 January 2022, Ofcom set out a requirement for communications providers across the UK to make an emergency BSL service available from 17 June 2022.
Ofcom approved Sign Language Interactions (SLI) as the sole provider of the service, which enables deaf BSL users in the UK to make calls to emergency authorities such as the police, ambulance, fire and coastguard services via BSL video relay interpreters.
Providing direct access to:
🚓 Police
🚑 Ambulance
🚒 Fire Service
🌊 Coastguard
📱 Available via app and website
🕒 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
📞 Free access to emergency support when needed most
The interpreter will connect your call to the 999 operator and relay the conversation in real time.
Download the app here:
999bsl.co.uk
To find out more about 999 BSL, please email:
info@999bsl.co.uk