Accessible formats and community languages
Find information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in accessible formats and alternative languages on this page. We've also linked to Government websites to help different groups in the community understand how to stay safe.
Coronavirus information in easy-read format
- What to do if someone you share your home with has signs of coronavirus: an easy read guide
Essential British Sign Language (BSL) advice from the NHS and Government
- BSL - up-to-date information on coronavirus: The Deaf Health Charity provides coronavirus (COVID-19) daily updates from the government including the provision of an interpreter on BBC 107 or 231
- Advice, information and resources for the deaf/hard of hearing is also available from the charity SignHealth
SignHealth support lines
Main office:
- Text: 07966 976749
- Email: info@signhealth.org.uk
- Call: 020 3947 2600
Mental Health Support:
- Crisis Text Service
- Text DEAF to 85258
Essential advice from the NHS and Government for blind/partially sighted residents
Listen to PHE hand hygiene radio advert (WAV).
The RNIB’s radio station Connect Radio broadcasts live daily shows providing coronavirus (COVID-19) daily updates from the Government.
General information, advice and resource is also available from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Braille posters can be ordered from Public Health England by emailing partnerships@phe.gov.uk.
RNIB support lines
Telephone: 0303 123 9999 (weekdays from 8am to 8pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm)
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Helpline and resources for Deafblind residents during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
DeafblindUK
Telephone: 0800 132 320 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Text: 07950 008870
Email: info@deafblind.org.uk
For advice, information and resources go to DeafBlind and coronavirus advice.
Essential advice from the NHS and Government for people with learning disabilities
Advice, information and resources are available from Mencap for people with a learning disability, their families and for support workers
If you need information or advice you can contact the Mencap helpline on 0808 808 1111 or by emailing helpline@mencap.org.uk. Alternatively, you can have a chat with the online Mencap community.
An easy to read guide on coronavirus is also available from Public Health England.
Public Health England leaflets in additional languages
Public Health England has produced information leaflets about coronavirus in a range of different languages.
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
Languages available:
Doctors of the World have also produced NHS COVID-19 advice in 44 languages including Albanian, Dari, French, Pashto, Punjabi, Mandarin, Polish, Urdu, Arabic, Spanish and Farsi. These have been collated in partnership with the Red Cross.
Advice on Ramadan and coronavirus
For residents observing Ramadan from 23/24 April to 23/24 May 2020, the current coronavirus pandemic may have an impact on who should be fasting and how Iftar or prayers take place.
Public Health England has published advice on how to stay safe during Ramadan. Read NHS guidance on Ramadan.
The Muslim Council of Britain has also published guidance for Muslim communities and resources for Ramadan.