New diabetes films in BSL as part of work to make diabetes support accessible
Around 48,000 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly live with diabetes
New diabetes films have been created in British Sign Language as part of work to turn the tide on diabetes.
It is a result of feedback from local deaf people, and working with Diabetes UK and local partners, people in Cornwall who are deaf or have hearing loss, for better access to vital diabetes information.
Around 48,000 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly live with diabetes, and a further 29,000 have been told they have prediabetes – at the same time, an estimated 1 in 5 people in the region are deaf or have some level of hearing loss, making it crucial that healthcare information can be accessed in ways that meets everyone’s needs.
The films, co-produced by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), Diabetes UK, Hearing Loss Cornwall and members of the deaf community, aim to improve understanding of diabetes and help deaf people navigate healthcare services with more confidence.
The films have been premiered at the Regal Cinema, Redruth with an invited audience of health professionals and deaf community members, ahead of national release for use by Diabetes UK and health professionals to share with deaf patients across the country.
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said:
“We know that diabetes affects tens of thousands of people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – and for the estimated 1 in 5 residents who are deaf or live with hearing loss, accessing vital health information can be a huge challenge.
“By creating these films in British Sign Language we are not only breaking down barriers, we are helping to make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to understanding, managing and living well with diabetes. This is about doing healthcare differently – because everyone deserves the same chance to live a healthy life.
“I’d like to thank the deaf community members who have given their time and insight to help create these films. This achievement would not have been possible without them.”
Stephanie Davis, Engaging Communities Officer at Diabetes UK said:
“We know that being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, and having access to all the information you need is so important.
“That’s why we’ve worked closely with the hearing loss community to create a series of British Sign Language videos, to ensure everyone has the support they need from day one of diagnosis.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their time and knowledge and helped bring this important project to life.”
Clare Greenwood, Executive Officer, Hearing Loss Cornwall said:
“We were delighted to have the ICB present the NHS 10-Year Plan for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly directly to the deaf community – an invaluable opportunity for us to share our voices, concerns and vital insights.
“One of the most important takeaways was that deaf BSL users often face significant challenges with written information and accessing online workshops and support. This served as a springboard for immediate and positive action – especially around the topic of diabetes and its associated health challenges.
“I’m thrilled that conversations with Diabetes UK were so positive, and that the challenges faced by deaf people and people with hearing loss were genuinely recognised. It has also been a pleasure to work alongside our Cornish partners, whose collaborative and insightful approach gives me real confidence that we’re moving toward better outcomes for deaf people across all services.”
This initiative builds on a BSL ‘Diabetes and You’ course piloted earlier this year and responds directly to feedback from deaf individuals who said they often struggle to find clear, reliable information about diabetes in a language they can fully understand.
Chris Gould is a member of the Diabetes Lived Experience Group, who has type 2 diabetes and is deaf. Chris says:
“Having information in BSL, at last, is exciting for the deaf community, as it shows that the needs of the deaf community are being taken seriously. It’s been long awaited, and I hope we can develop more to include deaf people to bring long overdue equality.”
The ICB and Diabetes UK intend for the films to be used locally and nationally as a BSL resource to support deaf people living with diabetes.
The initiative is part of wider work by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly which includes setting up a diabetes lived experience group to involve people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in shaping future services.