Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Deafblind Support

 

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Deafblind Support

This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that can provide advice, support, and activities for people who are deafblind or have combined hearing and sight loss.

If you require further help in accessing these services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via secure online form.

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Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

No need for a referral — contact us directly to see if we can support you.

  • Advice and support
  • Carer support
  • Community activities
  • Interpreting services
  • Wellbeing and counselling
 

Deaf & Deafblind Services

Local and national organisations supporting people who are deaf, deafblind, or have combined hearing and sight loss.

Deafblind UK

Dorset wide, National - Advice and Support, Carer Support, Counselling.

Telephone: 07903 572885 / 0800 132320 (Helpline)

Email: info@deafblind.org.uk

Website: www.deafblind.org.uk

SignHealth

National - Adult and CYP sensory impairment support, including abuse services, talking therapy, and training.

Website: signhealth.org.uk

Bridport Deaf Club

Bridport - Community group for people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

Email: bridport.deafclub@hotmail.com

Website: facebook.com/bridportdeafclub

Wilts & Dorset Deaf Association

Dorset wide - Sensory impairment support.

Website: wdda.co.uk

Childline

Dorset wide, National — Support for CYP and young people, including abuse, anxiety, counselling, and safeguarding.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Website: childline.org.uk

Sense

National - Advice, condition-specific support, and interpreting services including BSL interpreters, speech-to-text reporters, deaf-blind manual interpreters, and advocates.

Telephone: 0300 330 9256

Email: info@sense.org.uk

Website: sense.org.uk

Free NHS Interpreting Service

Interpreting is available free of charge for patients using GP and NHS Hospital Services in England. This includes interpreting for people who are deaf or deafblind.

  • Children are not allowed to act as interpreters.
  • Let your GP or hospital team know you need an interpreter as soon as possible, preferably when making your appointment.
  • If you are going into hospital, contact the ward or department when you receive your appointment letter.
  • You may ask a friend or relative to help you communicate your need for an interpreter.

Blind / Low-Vision Services

Support, clubs, and helplines for people with sight loss in Dorset and nearby.

Dorset Blind Association

Dorset wide - Support for people with sight loss, including social clubs, befriending, and equipment advice.

Telephone: 01202 712865 (library) / 01202 712869 (other services)

Email: info@dorsetblind.org.uk

Website: dorsetblind.org.uk

Bev Jones — Dorset Blind Association

Weymouth, Portland, and West Dorset - Over 65’s community support manager.

Telephone: 07801 654079

Email: bev@dorsetblind.org.uk

Website: dorsetblind.org.uk/about-us/our-team/service-staff/bev-jones/

RNIB Helpline

National - Advice and support for people with sight loss.

Telephone: 0303 123 9999 (8am–8pm weekdays, 9am–1pm Sat)

Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk

Website: rnib.org.uk

Library Service — RNIB

National - Accessible reading services.

Telephone: 03031 239999

Email: libraryinfo@rnib.org.uk

Website:www.rniblibrary.com/iguana/www.main.cls?surl=a1

Dorchester Social Club - Dorset Blind Association

Dorchester - Friendship and activities.

Email: info@dorsetblind.org.uk

Website: dorsetblind.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/social-clubs-for-visually-impaired-people/

Bridport & District Social Club - Dorset Blind Association

Bridport - Social group with transport options.

Telephone: 01308 898484 (Ian Ibbotson)

Email: ian.ibbotson@btinternet.com

Website: dorsetblind.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/social-clubs-for-visually-impaired-people/

Bridport & District Blind Club

Bridport - Social club for people with sight loss.

Telephone: 01308 427915 (Ann Cook)

Website: Bridport & District Blind Club

Devon Insight

Devon - Advice, support, and counselling for people with sight loss.

Telephone: 01392 876 666 (Mon–Fri 10am–2pm)

Email: enquiries@devoninsight.org.uk

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: August 2025.