We have been slowly increasing the number of interpreting sessions we provide to Worthing Hospital. We have provided interpreters in 12 languages, compared to 2 languages in the same period last year. At the moment most appointments are referred directly to us by patients. Our booking systems are straightforward, and we encourage our colleagues in…
It is heart-warming when we hear good news stories, especially those that speak to the indomitable spirit and resilience of asylum seeking families. One such family supported by our very own Chair, Aidan (who volunteers for Care4Calais) is that of Solafa. This is her story: Her family have been living in London since they arrived…
Here is a recent story from our Bilingual Advocacy service. Service User L was referred to SIS by an interpreter. L had been asking her GP for nearly a year to refer her to a specialist service for investigation of a sensitive personal issue. She had no confidence in the GP at all, she complained…
We have been working with a woman over several months. She has been supported by domestic violence charities. It is important to provide the same interpreter. Adopting this team work approach in sensitive cases makes a real difference. It is one of the ways SIS operates differently from other organisations. The Service User started by…
SIS Bilingual Telephone Befriending Service, received this referral in December 2021 from TDC via Together Co. The Arabic speaking Scheme Member was matched with a volunteer in January 2022. The scheme member is in her early 70s, she lives in a retirement complex. An interview with the Scheme Member was conducted through a SIS Community…
We are now in the 5th year of delivering our Social Prescribing Plus service to residents of Brighton and Hove. This service provides timely, valuable support to those who need it most. Here is a recent example of the support the service provides. Service User P is a single mum with 3 children. She had…
We recently received feedback about the work of two longstanding SIS Community Interpreters. Colleagues were impressed by their professionalism and sensitivity whilst working with two young men and challenging topics. Community Interpreting involves empathetic and accurate communication to improve outcomes. “I just wanted to say I had a very good experience with the SIS interpreter,…
We recently received feedback from several health practitioners about their positive experiences of working with SIS Interpreters. Colleagues were particularly impressed by the preparation for the sessions and the calm delivery. We encourage Interpreters to prepare and colleagues to book interpreting pre sessions wherever possible. “I would like to share some positive feedback about…
We recently launched a new Virtual Switchboard to make it easier for people to book interpreters. People call us on 01273 702005. They hear a brief message asking them to chose a voice mailbox. The message is in Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Hungarian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese and Russian with an option to select other. Messages left…
We have been working with a woman in her 50`s over several months. Interpreting has been delivered by telephone and video. This is more challenging than face to face interpreting, particularly when it comes to ensuring appropriate empathy. The interpreter has overcome the challenges and delivered a great service. We received this feedback from the…
