Dumfries and Galloway Council provides telephone interpreting and translation services in several ways to help a person whose first language is not English. We also assist with sign language interpretation for people who are hearing impaired.

Using the National Interpreting Service, staff are able to provide interpretations in over 140 different languages over the phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access to a trained qualified interpreter is available within 60 seconds of making the call and no special equipment is required. Already over 200 Council, Police and Health Service staff have been trained to use the facility.

Posters and language identification cards are also displayed in all of the reception offices in the Council, Police and National Health Service. This scheme will help all agencies provide a better service to those clients who have a language difficulty and will be a means of helping those who may be vulnerable in our community.

The implementation of this service is part of a wider initiative to highlight the problems faced by minority ethnic communities within Dumfries and Galloway. The service is being jointly funded by NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

The Hearing Impairment Service aims to provide a support system for hearing impaired children, their teachers, parents and carers.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has been notified that the following companies provide translation and interpretation services:

• Alpha Translating and Interpreting Services: 0141 333 9800
• Applied Language: 0845 367 7000
• EITE: 0800 731 7878
• Global Language Services Ltd: 0141 429 3428
• Language Connect: 0207 940 8104
• MSI Trans-Action: 020 7820 9955
• National Interpreting Service (NIS): 020 7655 4651

Dumfries and Galloway Council makes information in any of our publications available in any format or language on request.