NELFT Talking Therapies services in London have launched a new specialist pathway for those with hearing loss. This new auditory pathway will enable those who may have experienced difficulty in accessing support with their mental health the opportunity to access services through either British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or through a text based digital therapy.

The new pathway emerged from one member of the Redbridge Talking Therapies team, Nicholas Price, Senior High Intensity Therapist, losing his own hearing.

Nicholas said:

“In August last year I lost my hearing completely and I quickly realised how difficult it is to access healthcare appointments when struggling with hearing loss. My therapy training has helped me navigate my own mental health in the period since and I’m confident that this new pathway will give us the opportunity to help others in a similar position.”

Staff members across NELFT’s four London Talking Therapies services (Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest) are currently training in BSL which will enable them to communicate better with those who experience hearing loss.

The team is currently working to reach individuals with severe or profoundly severe hearing impairments who do not use BSL. For these individuals, the service offers typed therapy appointments, aiming to make mental health support more accessible for those who have limited or no other means of communication. 

To find out more, visit: Talking Therapies Team