SERVICE PROVIDERS

I have had the pleasure of working with Arabic Interpreter [B] over the past twelve months.

His involvement in the case was integral to its successful outcome. He and the client were originally from the same part of the world and interpretation was most effective as a consequence of this. It helped me immensely to form a therapeutic relationship with the client that is essential to aid recovery.

On a personal note [B] improved my knowledge of Algerian Arabic especially with the seamless incorporation of French words and phrases into the translation. Following this it was clear why the client asked for him specifically. It is also something that has informed my practice and I will take country of origin and dialect into account when thinking about translation services.

I hope to work with him again should the occasion arise in the future. (April 2019)
Nigel Morris, Community Psychiatric Nurse, SPFT

 

I would like to book Albanian Interpreter [C] for the next appointment. It has been wonderful wonderful to have had [C] as an interpreter – she is very helpful and clear in her communication – thank you! (June 2019)
Clare Gourlay, midwife, RSCH, BSUHT 

 

Thank you so much for your help today, you made the process very easy, which I appreciated.

The Albanian Interpreter [D] was a great help under difficult circumstances and was very clear about his role and responsibilities which was critical for this piece of legal work. (May 2019)
Sally Ashe, Approved Mental Health Professional, Adult Social Care, BHCC

 

We would just like to say a huge thank you much for your very interesting presentations yesterday. The combination of scene setting and hearing from Arabic Interpreter [E]’s own experience worked really well.

To hear an example of where these services are working well and have been well thought out, gives a model for other areas to consider. We felt it also complemented the other presentations very well. (May 2019)
Rachael Coker, South East Strategic Partnership for Migration

 

There is an Arabic interpreter [F] who often comes to our department. I have worked with her many times over the last 4 years and she provides such excellent interpreting service,

I am never hesitant that she is doing a really good job and truly cares for the service user. She goes above and beyond- has come back to me to help translate for a patient that we forgot to make a booking for, and she builds good relationships with the patients. I always feel happy when I see that she is the interpreter.

What a wonderful person to have, especially when patients are vulnerable and need kindness and a competent interpreter. Thank you. (June 2019)
Helen Philips, Hearing Screener, BSUH

 

Just to say thanks very much for Bengali Interpreter [S]’s input yesterday. The feedback from the meeting was that she was extremely effective and assiduous in her work to clarify meanings and content.

We greatly appreciated the service and would like to pass on our thanks to S. (Sept 2019)
Simon Crane, Speech and Language Therapist, SPFT

 

I have appreciated your expertise and the interesting questions that you have shared with me – I have learned so much! I know that we have managed to support some very vulnerable clients through the minefield that is Universal Credit and sometimes managed to avoid it. It is still a system that needs improvement but we have managed some small wins here and there. ( Aug 2019)
Lynne Arnold, Help to Claim Support Officer, Brighton and Hove CAB

 

I feel that Portuguese Interpreter [P] is an excellent interpreter, and I am so happy that someone so competent has been able to accompany our client and her partner on this journey. With P as their interpreter I felt at ease, and did not have a single doubt in regards to her interpreting skills.

Thank you for having such a kind, lovely, knowledgeable and professional interpreter! (July 2019)
Helen Philips, Hearing Screener, BSUH

 

I would like to say that Farsi Interpreter [T] is an absolute pleasure to work with, very professional and considerate and helpful. (Sept 2019)
Dan Curtis, BHESCO

 

I appreciate greatly the interpreting services that we received…. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Romanian Interpreter [N], as he was very helpful and professional, and he assisted a great deal with the session. I would highly recommend his services in the future. (Nov 2019)
Beth, Support Coordinator, Safe Haven Sussex, CIC

 

The use of an interpreter in this instance was a one-off booking to ensure that a full understanding was gained for both parties during a case meeting regarding a supported accommodation placement.

The service was very helpful and allowed us to support the client in the best way possible. It meant that we were able to work together to protect his placement and he was able to understand the terms of this.

It was much appreciated to be given access to this service for no cost as we do not have a funding stream that includes provision for this service. The outcome was very positive for us and the client. (Dec 2019)
Nia, Team Leader, Safe Haven Sussex, CIC

 

I really am very grateful for SIS being able to provide a service (in this instance) without charge. Hindi Interpreter [O] is an excellent interpreter and her work with us on this matter in particular has made a huge difference. (Oct 2019)
Nick Rolt, Money Advice Plus

 

Just to let you know that the Chinese Interpreter [P] got high praise from the Tribunal panel on Monday. They said that they were impressed with how he conducted himself and that when interpreting to the parents, there was no disturbance to the rest of the Tribunal. (Oct 2019)
Ann Kingaby, Sec. to Dr J Dent, Locum Consultant Psychiatrist, SPFT

 

THANK YOU soooooooo much for your help, service, generosity. Your service gives voice to those who do not speak English. I am very happy to signpost my clients to your service/drop-in sessions. (Oct 2019)
Ramune Murauskaite, Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, RISE

 

The Albanian Interpreter [Q] came in to do an afternoon interpreting session, even though she had only got home from holiday in the early hours of that morning (her late night did not negatively affect her interpreting, this was not a problem).

Because she came in at such short notice, I was able to complete an assessment to make a referral to specialist rehab. If she had not done this, the patient would have had to wait another 4 days for me to be available again which would have held up the whole pathway, potentially increased time in hospital and the delay would have upset the patient who was ready to move on.

It would have been reasonable not to work less than 12 hours after you return from holiday, particularly when I only asked if she was free at 24 hours’ notice (I wasn’t expecting it but worth the ask), and yet the interpreter did it anyway. (Oct 2019)
Dr Alana Tooze, Clinical Psychologist in Neuropsychology, SPFT

 

SERVICE USERS

First of all, I am very grateful for your commitment, and for the great example you provide how to look after and help people.

We are very happy for you to be part of our every achievement and of each journey we complete. We are certain of one thing; we came from a very distant place and we were not sure of our purpose in life.

Here in England we are learning the true meaning of how to look after people. We are feeling welcomed and embraced by you, as you show so much generosity.

May God bless all your lives. Grateful and wishing you happiness.
Portuguese Speaker about the Community Navigation Plus – Social Prescribing

 

We were very happy with the outcome of this session, it felt like we were at a doctor’s surgery in Bangladesh because everything was clearly explained and interpreted for us. We usually use our children and daughter-in-law to interpret at the doctors surgeries but not everything is so clearly interpreted as it was today. (Sept 2019)
Bengali Speaking Service User

Thanks very much for all your unselfish help, to the whole team and particularly to those two people who worked with me face to face and on the phone. (July 2019)
Hungarian Speaking Service User re Volunteer Social Prescribing

 

Thank you very much for the support and help. Everybody now respects me at work and treats me much better because Portuguese Bilingual Advocate [X] came to represent me. I’ve told all my colleagues that you’re the best service. I’m very very happy – thank you very much. (Sept 2019)
Portuguese Speaking Service User re Bilingual Advocacy

 

The elderly lady, 84 years old, asks me to send her many thanks to the marvellous team. (Nov 2019)
Chinese Speaking Service User via Chair of the Chinese Elderly Group

 

Thanks to everyone for all the support my husband and I have received from SIS in recent weeks. Interpreters [R] and [S] have been extremely responsive to several emergencies. (Dec 2019)
Arabic Speaking Service User

 

Hey we had a baby girl yesterday and as my wife can’t speak English the hospital arranged an interpreter [T]. T came and we saw her a few times during my wife’s pregnancy. She is a very, very, lovely person. She is doing her job more than 100%! Me and my wife are sending all the best to your company and T! Thank you very much again! (Dec 2019)
Turkish Speaking Service User

 

1 x 5 star review on Google Business SELF EMPLOYED SESSIONAL LINGUISTS

 

I have been working with SIS since the arrival of the Oromo & Amhara community in Brighton, in 2006, I was not sure I could manage this long. I ended up leaving my other fostering role, and enjoyed working with SIS and the community people. Even when there was difficult times and saddened, I felt that there was much supports and to share and having new experience between both Community and SIS. It was like on going learning experience and now part of my life journey.
Oromo Speaking Community Interpreter (on leaving SIS in Sept 2019)

 

Thanks for all your support and encouragement. SIS is a really special organisation that makes so many people feel more connected and valued despite their difference or alienation- this is immeasurably a good thing.

I would never have approached medical training without my work with SIS and its patient centred focus.

Ben (Projects Coordinator) is a genius in comforting and supporting others and in emotional intelligence – I’m sure you recognise that anyway. (Dec 2019)
Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic Volunteer Linguist

 

3 x thanks to the Coordination Team for their support and help

 

Feedback, regarding SIS customer services, provided by 6 x Volunteer Linguists (speaking Bengali, Greek, Spanish, Hungarian, Romanian, Farsi and Polish) at a support session (Dec)

 

Customer Insight

“I can see that SIS is always striving to improve and particular to listen and respond to people. This meeting (VL peer support session) is a great example; you started by letting us know what was new and we went on to discuss the challenges that volunteers face and what help and support we might need from SIS.”

 

“SIS understands that it is important for customers to see the volunteers as member of their own community first and as part of SIS second. Service Users can recognise themselves in us and see that we have lived experience of the challenges they are facing. They can feel comfortable with us because they don’t have to explain themselves, their situation and cultural background before getting help. They feel less isolated.”

 

“It seems to me that everyone in the community and lots of other support organisations know about SIS”

 

Organisational Culture

“The support we get from SIS is amazing. SIS is very open and ensures we get all the information we need, providing additional help and support with tricky cases. You keep us up to date on opportunities for training and education.”

 

“I really feel like I am part of something special, a family. SIS invites us to lots of parties and get-together’s as well as these peer support sessions.”

 

Information and Access

“I always feel confident that I can give accurate information and will get good advice from Ben (projects coordinator). This means I can be relaxed in the appointments with service users and put them at ease.”

 

“Ben’s support and guidance is very reassuring. It’s a relief to know we aren’t alone, this makes me feel comfortable in my role.”

 

Delivery

“Ben has been so fantastic to work with. I am usually very shy about using English but Ben makes me feel confident, we understand each other very easily. It’s as straightforward as if I was speaking Bengali. He is an honorary Bengali.”

 

“It is really a great opportunity to be a volunteer with SIS. I know that I am helping people to have a better life, overcome their struggles simply by providing a language “crossing”.”

 

“The Drop-In is a very welcome service for people. It not only makes a practical impact by helping people with their issues but also has an emotional impact. One service user told me she comes to the Drop-In whether she needs help or not because she likes the atmosphere and the social connections and network. She would like to volunteer with SIS if there is an opportunity for her.”

 

“SIS has many named contacts at other agencies which means our referrals for help and support can made quickly and efficiently.”

 

“We deliver an amazing service, the Bengali speaking Service Users are extremely happy.” “As a volunteer, I am very satisfied with the service delivered by the supportive SIS team.”

 

Timeliness and Quality

“Working with a long term resident of Brighton and Hove and realising they had never registered with a GP, which is something so simple to help with. It was clear that people often don’t know what they are missing or what they might need.”

 

“What we do at the drop in is spread by word-of-mouth, and many people make repeat visits. I think that is evidence of a good service.”

 

“One Farsi speaking service user came to the Drop-In last week just to say thank you for the help we had provided. He had been so desperate because another organisation had turned him away and said he needed to take a friend to interpret but he didn’t have anyone he could ask. SIS listened to what he needed, sent an interpreter to help him and things are really different now.”