If you are Deaf, deaf or Deafblind and in crisis, feeling unsafe, or worried you might harm yourself or someone else, help is available.

In an emergency

If someone’s life is in immediate danger, contact 999 using one of these options:

Call 999 in BSL

Use the 999 BSL website or app to contact emergency services through a live BSL interpreter.

Follow the on-screen steps to start your call.

Call 999 using Relay UK

Use the Relay UK app or textphone by dialling 18000.

A Relay Assistant will join the call and help you speak with the emergency operator.

Be ready to explain:

  • which service you need (police, ambulance, fire, or coastguard)
  • what is happening
  • your exact location
Use Emergency SMS

If you cannot make a voice or video call, you can contact 999 by text message.

You must register first by texting REGISTER to 999 and replying YES.

In an emergency, text 999 with: 

  • the service you need
  • what is happening 
  • your exact location 

Example:

Ambulance. Person in mental health crisis, at risk of self-harm. Leeds LS1 Tesco Express.

Wait for a reply. Text responses may take longer than a phone or video call.

Crisis support by text or message (24/7)

You can get private crisis support by text, day or night.

Shout works with SignHealth to provide a text-based crisis service for Deaf people.

Text DEAF to 85258

  • Available 24 hours a day
  • Free from most UK networks

A trained volunteer will text you back and support you until you feel calmer and safer.

Crisis support in Leeds

Dial House

Dial House offers crisis support in a calm, homely space, with one-to-one time from Crisis Support Workers. They provide taxi transport to and from the house.

Open 6pm to 1am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Text 07922 249452 at 6pm on the night you want to come. 

Example: Need BSL help at Dial House. Send a taxi for David, 26 Compton Crescent, Leeds, LS11 2JK.

They will arrange for an interpreter to come into Dial House (BSL staff are not on regular shifts).

Deaf Connect – emotional support in BSL

Deaf Connect offers emotional support for deaf and hard-of-hearing people living in West Yorkshire through video or text.

You can talk to someone who is Deaf themselves, without needing an interpreter.

Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, 6.30pm to 11pm. Calls begin at 7pm.

To access the service, text 07984 396001 to request a call back time.

You will be texted back with a time and contacted via WhatsApp, FaceTime or text – whichever you prefer.  Support sessions can last up to one hour

This can be a helpful option if you’d like to talk to someone who understands Deaf culture and communication.

NHS 111 in BLS

If you need urgent advice but it’s not an emergency, you can access NHS 111 through SignVideo using BSL.

Available 24 hours a day.

You can choose general health or mental health support

Visit the NHS 111 | SignVideo service and follow the instructions to start a video call.

Last updated: March 2026