This web page provides basic information on Social Services available for deaf people, and their families, who communicate through British Sign Language across Derby and the southern half of Derbyshire. For information for people with acquired hearing loss, please also visit
Supporting People with Acquired Hearing Loss.
The Unit for Deaf People are a specialist team of 7 social services staff and 2 admin support staff, who offer services through British Sign Language. We offer a range of social services provision for families, children, individuals and groups. The team work very closely with colleagues in other Social Services offices and Welfare Rights, Health, Education and Voluntary Organisations. The team work in partnership with deaf children, their families and Deaf adults.
We can offer deaf children and their families:
- Identify levels of need.
- Provide advice and information.
- Work with the Deaf community.
- Assess individual, family and carers needs.
- Support children, families and carers.
- Provide specialist equipment.
- Support a seamless transition to adulthood.
- Provide family support to prevent breakdown.
- Ensure child protection.
- Support children living away from home.
- Support children with multiple disabilities.
- Provide mental health care in partnership with other agencies.
- Contribute to other agency assessments and reviews.
We can offer deaf adults:
- Identify levels of need.
- Assess individual, family and carers needs.
- Provide information, advice and advocacy.
- Support individuals, families and carers in the community.
- Provide communication support.
- Provide specialist equipment.
- Support older people.
- Support adults with multiple disabilities including deafblindness.
- Provide mental health care in partnership with other agencies.
- Contribute to other agency assessments and reviews.
- Where necessary locate and review specialist placements.
- Work with the Deaf Community.
The Unit also works closely with:
ALS: The Alternative Living Scheme - Intensive support to Deaf people in the community.
Telephone: 01332 718700
Minicom: 01332 271176
Fax: 01332 718701
The Early Years Centre - For young deaf children and their families.
Telephone: 01332 717517
Minicome: 01332 717517
Fax: 01332 717518
Communication Unlimited - Interpreting service
Telephone: 01332 369920
Minicom: 01332 369435
Fax: 01332 369459
SMS: 07904 038457
Derby City Care Line - Emergency out of hours service
Telephone: 01332 711250
Minicom: 01332 711255
Fax: 01332 711254
SMS: 07771 814085
When are the Unit Services available?
We are open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.
There is a 'drop in' contact service at the Unit:
Mon 9.30am-1.00pm
Weds 9.30am-1.00pm
Fri 1.00pm-5.00pm
Also available at the Derby Deaf Club:
Weds 6.30pm-10.00pm
Contact Details
Telephone: 01332 717567
Minicom: 01332 344358
Fax: 01332 717571
SMS: 0762 480 5838
Unit for Deaf People
The Coach House
29 Kedleston Road
Derby
DE22 1FL
Useful links to other websites: