Staffordshire Police emergency text line for hearing impaired

Emergency text line for hearing impaired

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking are getting access to a new national emergency text service. Staffordshire Police is keen to let people know about the national SMS text service for emergency assistance and has produced a leaflet explaining how to register for and use the service.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Jane Sawyers has commissioned new information to publicise the service. “A new leaflet’s been designed to show people how to use the service and we’ve amended some of the pages on our website, as well,” she explained.

“This service could be a lifesaver for someone with a hearing or speech impairment, “she said. “ If they register their phone, they can contact police, fire, ambulance or the coastguard by texting a message to 999 anywhere in the country and not just if they’re in Staffordshire, without having to ask anyone else for help.”

“It’s simple and quick to register your phone and we give a step by step guide to this on our website www.staffordshire.police.uk/smsdeaf, “she continued.

Previously the force had a local number which people could use to send a text message to in an emergency and this number will now be used for non emergencies.

“We’re still asking people to register with us for our non-emergency SMS text service as this gives us a chance for people to tell us about issues that are affecting them.

We can then make arrangements such as taking a signer with us when we visit someone, if that’s needed.”

Force equality and diversity officer, Joanne Waldron sees the service as a benefit for people who have difficulty hearing or speaking. “The independence this service offers can be a real confidence booster to some deaf people.

They’re secure in the knowledge that they can get help in an emergency if they need it and they don’t have to rely on anyone else. I’m sure the same is true for people with speech impairments, too, she added.”

The force is making sure all neighbourhood officers are aware of the service through a series of briefings where they’ll be issued with copies of the leaflet.

They’ll be encouraged to make sure that they pass on the details of the service to anyone they feel may benefit from it.

“As a force we know there are more people who could benefit from our SMS text line and the national emergency service,” added Joanne. “That’s why

we’re doing our best to get the message across to the communities of Staffordshire.

People wanting to find out more about the national emergency text line as well as Staffordshire Police’s non-emergency SMS text line for people with hearing or speech impairment can go to www.staffordshire.police.uk/smsdeaf