SignHealth has been commissioned by National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (NDCAMHS) to develop a report to change the way their service works. They are a team working with deaf children, hearing children of deaf parents and their families to support their mental health.  They would like to change the way their service works, by getting feedback. They want to know your views. SignHealth will be sharing two surveys, one for parents and carers and one for young people. You will be able to respond to the surveys in English or BSL. Complete the survey here https://signhealth.org.uk/health-wellbeing/national-deaf-camhs-survey-for-young-people/

City Lit is once again hosting their Mental Wealth Festival https://www.citylit.ac.uk/mental-wealth-festival   Among other great talks, on Friday 10th October there are talks about Accessible Healthcare (Robin Ash, SignHealth) and how the Accessible information Standard is impacting Deaf Mental health. Tickets available now https://www.citylit.ac.uk/events/mental-wealth-festival/programme/friday

Presentations: An Autism Assessment Pathway for Deaf Adults Dr Mary Griggs, Dr Katie Wise, Dr Angharad Agg, Clinical Psychologists, Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust The presentation describes how the BASS Autism Service for Adults works in collaboration with the Specialised Deaf Service to provide autism assessments and post- diagnostic support for deaf people. Download presentation here: Issues with Post-Diagnostic Support for Deaf Adults Dr Ben Holmes, Clinical Psychologist Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation NHS Trust The presentation described the main issues with post-diagnostic support for deaf adults with autism. These are mainly difficulties in secondary care services accepting a referral for a deaf adult with autism, and some big gaps between services. There appear to be no specialised adult services designed for deaf adults with autism. Download copy of presentation here:

Feature Statement regarding the change of name from “The British Society for Mental Health and Deafness” to “The British Society for Mental Health and Deaf People” (BSMHD) Will now be: PRESS RELEASE The British Society for Mental Health and Deaf People are updating their principal name to“The British Society for Mental Health and Deaf People” The main reason for this change is that the term ‘Deafness’ has a negative connotation to it, and does not reflect Deaf people’s strengths and abilities. BSMHD trustees feel it is time…

BSMHD webinar – Older Deaf People – are we leaving them behind? Thursday 13th October, 2022, 1-4pm. Over 70 people attended this online meeting. You can download the delgate pack here - Please send email to info@bsmhd.org.uk for a summary of the meeting.