COVID-19 Resources

Please note: resources are updated regularly, it is important that you check this page often to see which toolkits have been updated. 

Any toolkits with out of date messaging for exmaple, resources from the start of the vaccination prograame in December 2020, will be in the archive section. 

We’d like to clarify the position around access to signed languages to ensure deaf or deaf/blind patients get the support they need when accessing a vaccination appointment.

Patients have the choice to use their usual BSL/interpreter provider to access a vaccine appointment. We recognise some patients are already registered with local providers, and they are welcome to continue using this service.

In Staffordshire, ASSIST are working with the GP led vaccination centres and liaising with deaf/deafblind patients in relation to appointment scheduling as patients become eligible.  Some support will be provided remotely and interpreters will attend in person where needed.  In some cases, ASSIST will transport clients to their appointments in order to ensure access, especially for those who are deafblind.   In Stoke-on-Trent, dDeaflinks is supporting patients they work with in a similar way. GP practices have the contact details for both providers.

In the larger vaccination centres, where iPads have been provided by Language Line, remote BSL interpreting is also available, as a back up.

Primary care providers offering this service to patients are asked to continue invoicing NHS England in the usual way, as this is classed as a primary care appointment.

If any services or patients need additional support from ASSIST or Deaflinks – see below for further information:

ASSIST (Autism and Sensory Support in Staffordshire) Mon-Thurs 08:30-04.30  Fri 08.30-4.00 Tel: 01785 356835 SMS text: 07816316297 Out of Hours Emergency: 07977 007184 Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters are currently contacting deaf and deafblind clients to explain the vaccination process via video call or face-to-face visits for those who do not have access to technology.

When a deaf or deafblind person receives their eligibility letter, they can contact ASSIST through their usual channels.  On the patient’s behalf, ASSIST will call the contact number provided on the vaccine letter or their GP as needed, to arrange an appointment date.  

When the patient attends the clinic they will access an ASSIST interpreter via remote video call.  Those who are unable to use technology or who are deafblind will have an ASSIST interpreter in attendance.  The BSL interpreter will need to be given access to the building in order to provide support. The interpreter will have an identification badge and wear appropriate PPE.

These arrangements will help ensure BSL users do not arrive at clinics without access to communication.  However, if this does happen, please contact ASSIST 01785 356835 immediately.  

Sensory Services provided by ASSIST:

• BSL Interpreters/Communicator Guides
• Deafblind Interpreters
• Lipspeakers
• Sighted guides for vision impairment
• Electronic notetaking

(for the hard of hearing/deafened and those with communication issues/dementia)

Translation and Transcription:

• Braille
• Audio
• Easy Read
• BSL videos
• Awareness training

Deaflinks provide a similar service in Stoke-on-Trent to support the elderly, or deaf-blind clients who do not have access to smart phones or assistive technology to enable remote support.

They have continued to provide support throughout the pandemic for both remote (using various platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft teams etc) and face to face appointments and are available to facilitate either. All interpreters are fully registered, and will attend with ID and wearing appropriate PPE (where necessary).

To book communication support from dDeaflinks, please contact the main office on the details below:

Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm

Tel: 01782 219161

SMS text: 07791459307 

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

24hr (out of hours) Emergency Interpreting mobile: 07977 552414

You can find covid-19 information videos in all languages here

Historic resources can be found here. 

Local authorities

Local Authorities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are working hard to support local people and businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. You can find lots of useful information here, from guidance on business grants/support, to advice on what you can do to help out in your local communities.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Information from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, including rent/financial advice for tenants, business support, waste services and much more can be found here.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has also teamed up with several voluntary sector organisations, including VAST, to start #StokeonTrentTogether, the local COVID-19 support network. If you are looking for help, or wanting to support others in Stoke-on-Trent, please visit the website to find out more.

Staffordshire County Council

There is a lot of information available on the Staffordshire County Council website. This includes information about financial support for community groups, information about mental health and wellbeing and much more.  

You can find all of this, plus information on how you can get help if you need it or how you can volunteer to help, here.

Local district and borough councils

The individual links below include local information about things such as business grants, waste collections and support for vulnerable people.

Cannock Chase District Council

East Staffordshire Borough Council

Lichfield District Council

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

South Staffordshire District Council

Staffordshire Borough Council

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Tamworth Borough Council

You can find out information about the local response to coronavirus via the weekly stakeholder bulletins below: