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Translation / Interpretation Services
Where can I get Housing Information in Different Languages?
Housing information in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Gaelic, Kurdish, Punjabi and Urdu can be found on Communities Scotland’s HomePoint website under "External Links". The website includes information on:
- Housing Associations
- Homelessness
- Housing to Rent
- Private Landlords
- Council Housing
- Sheltered Housing
- Shared Ownership
- Scottish Secure Tenancy
- What is Council Tax?
- Benefits
Other Housing Information
The Equality Scotland multi-lingual web site also provides access to information on housing, employment, etc. in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. It has been set up by Trust, Hanover (Scotland) and Bield Housing Associations who provide housing care and support services primarily for older people throughout Scotland. See link from "External Links"
Where can Highland Council Staff Access Interpretation Services?
To help staff support customers whose first language is not English, the Council has signed up to the National Interpreting Service (NIS) to provide a telephone interpreting service. NIS can provide interpreting in over 100 languages over the phone, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The NIS has an ID code which is available to Council Staff only.
Contact Rosemary Mackinnon, Equal Opportunities Officer, Tel 01463 702094, email rosemary.mackinnon@highland.gov.uk
Contact Information for Local Interpreters/ Translators?
For face-to-face interpreting, or for written translations, in partnership with Northern Constabulary and NHS Highland, the Highland Council has updated lists of local interpreters and translators, and also has details of public and commercial agencies in Scotland who can provide services. The list is regularly amended, so for up-to-date details of interpreters for face-to-face situations, at present, please contact Rosemary Mackinnon or Evelyn Wilson.
Where can I Access British Sign Language Interpreting?
Deaf Action provides a communication support Service based in Inverness which includes BSL interpretation. Priority for the new service will be given to deaf people requiring a sign language interpreter to enable them to fully access information when attending hospital, their GP, or a Highland Council appointment and will be provided free of charge to Council Services.
For further information please contact:
Deaf Action, Highland Office
Communication Support Unit
Volunteering Highland
The Gateway
1a Millburn Road
INVERNESS IV1 3PS
Voice/Text: 01463 250204
Fax: 01463 250749
SMS: 07717 228345
Email: highland@deafaction.org