Doncaster learning mentor celebrates new British Sign Language 999 service wth the help of Hollyoaks acting grandson

A new app allows users to make free calls to UK emergency services through a BSL interpreter.

Karen Holdsworth, who has worked at CSCD for 15 years, is thrilled that the new service has been created.

She said: “If anything was to happen to anyone, or if I was to witness something, I can now contact the emergency services directly MYSELF without having to rely on someone to telephone them on my behalf therefore wasting valuable time.

“Also, my children to be able to do the same, using BSL via my phone if anything was to happen to me.

“This direct access to the emergency services will save lives and remove another barrier to good health and wellbeing for Deaf people.

“I think it's fantastic, very huge and it has been a long time coming. Finally!”

Karen’s son Daniel attended Doncaster College for the Deaf which became Communication Specialist College Doncaster, to study sports between 2004 and 2007, her grandson, Noah, aged 9, is an Hollyoaks actor, where he plays Oscar Osborne.

She said: “Seeing Noah in the promotional video for the new BSL 999 service is a real sense of pride for me and my family.

“Sign Health asked Noah to be in the film and Daniel was very happy for him to be involved. The more people that know about the service the better.”

For more information about the service visit the 999BSL website.

For more about CSCD visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk/college

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