– If you are providing reading material, stop speaking in order to give the young person time to focus on the material. – The interpreter shouldn’t be actively involved in the conversation. Don’t ask for their opinion. Equally, don’t ask them not to interpret something you have said to the young person (158). If you are a BSL user Before you begin your support, consider if you are able to sign confidently and fluently enough to support the young person. Ask yourself if there is someone better from the Deaf community who is better placed. If you are part of the Deaf community, consider whether you have multiple roles or relationships with the young person that might prevent you from providing effective support. In a crisis, you should assist appropriately regardless. If you can confidently and comfortably sign, there are still considerations for you to make sure that the young person can freely communicate. Try to: – Check your knowledge and understanding of complex signs such as ‘hallucination’ – Avoid assuming that the young person knows the meaning of complex signs associated with mental health – check their understanding throughout – Use open or closed questions to check your/their understanding – Gently correct any incorrect information or beliefs about poor mental health that have been misinterpreted within the Deaf community – Reassure the young person that poor mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if they are scared or worried Signs of abuse Deaf young people (of all communication methods) are at greater
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