Local engagement event to develop British Sign Language plans for Scottish Borders @BritishSignBSL

British Sign Language (BSL) users, their families and professionals in the Scottish Borders are being encouraged to attend a joint engagement event to help play their part in the development of BSL plans by Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders and Borders College.

The engagement event will take place at Borders College, Netherdale, Galashiels on Saturday 21 July with two sessions, one starting at 10.30am and another at 12.30pm. Full BSL interpretation services will be provided. Free transport between Galashiels Transport Interchange and the venue is available.

The BSL (Scotland) Act requires all public bodies to produce a BSL Plan that is consistent with the Scottish Government’s overarching BSL National Plan 2017-2023. This must be done in consultation with BSL users and those who represent them.

Councillor John Greenwell, Scottish Borders Council’s Equalities Champion, said:

“It is vital for all three organisations to get the input of BSL users on the development of their plans, which are now required by law.

“I’d encourage BSL users, their families and professionals that engage with BSL users to attend this important event and help ensure that all three public bodies have appropriate plans in place so the needs of BSL users are met.”

Scottish Borders Council’s draft plan will go out to full consultation later this summer and will then go before Elected Members later in the year.

Anyone interested in attending the engagement event is encouraged to sign up through Eventbrite here

For more information, email the Communications and Marketing team or call 01835 826632.

Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders and Borders College are holding an engagement event to seek the views of Scottish Borders British Sign Language users and supporters in order to shape these organisations plans to implement the Scottish Governments British Sign Language (BSL) National Plan.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

You can access Galashiels by public bus or via the Borders Railway. Please email to book a place on the complimentary transport between the Transport Interchange in Galashiels town centre and the Scottish Borders Campus.

There is ample parking on site and in the adjacent public car park at the Scottish Borders Campus on Nether Road, Galashiels. (opposite the rugby and football grounds)

What can I bring into the event?

Nothing specific will be required other than your thoughts, views and suggestions. Light refreshments will be provided.