999 British Sign Language (BSL) Service
999 BSL
About 999 BSL
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.
Which emergency services can I contact via 999 BSL?
Police, Ambulance, Fire or Coastguard.
When is the service available?
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
How does the service work?
It is simple. You use 999 BSL app or Website to make a call to 999, it will go to British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter first, who will appear on the screen. The BSL interpreter will then call the 999 operator through landline and will relay the conversation.
To find out more about 999 BSL, please email info@999bsl.co.uk
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