New British Sign Language Diabetes Films Launched in Cornwall

Thousands face barriers to vital health advice

Around 48,000 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are living with diabetes, and a further 29,000 have prediabetes. At the same time, an estimated 1 in 5 people in the region are deaf or have some level of hearing loss.

Now, thanks to feedback from local deaf people and work with Diabetes UK, new educational films in British Sign Language (BSL) have been created to help deaf people better understand and manage diabetes.

Created with the community, for the community

The films were co-produced by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), Diabetes UK, Hearing Loss Cornwall and members of the deaf community. They aim to improve access to diabetes information for deaf people and help them navigate healthcare services with more confidence.

The films were premiered at the Regal Cinema in Redruth to an invited audience of health professionals and members of the deaf community. They are now set to be used nationally by Diabetes UK and health professionals to support deaf patients across the country.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB, said:
“We know that diabetes affects tens of thousands of people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – and for the 1 in 5 residents who are deaf or live with hearing loss, accessing vital health information can be a huge challenge.

“By creating these films in British Sign Language we are not only breaking down barriers, we are helping to make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to understanding, managing and living well with diabetes. This is about doing healthcare differently – because everyone deserves the same chance to live a healthy life.

“I’d like to thank the deaf community members who have given their time and insight to help create these films. This achievement would not have been possible without them.”

📷NHS Cornwall's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Reid with British Sign Language interpreter, Helen from Hearing Loss Cornwall.

Building on real feedback

Stephanie Davis, Engaging Communities Officer at Diabetes UK, said:
“We know that being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, and having access to all the information you need is so important.

“That’s why we’ve worked closely with the hearing loss community to create a series of British Sign Language videos, to ensure everyone has the support they need from day one of diagnosis.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their time and knowledge and helped bring this important project to life.”

Clare Greenwood, Executive Officer at Hearing Loss Cornwall, said:
“We were delighted to have the ICB present the NHS 10-Year Plan for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly directly to the deaf community – an invaluable opportunity for us to share our voices, concerns and vital insights.

“One of the most important takeaways was that deaf BSL users often face significant challenges with written information and accessing online workshops and support. This served as a springboard for immediate and positive action – especially around the topic of diabetes and its associated health challenges.

“I’m thrilled that conversations with Diabetes UK were so positive, and that the challenges faced by deaf people and people with hearing loss were genuinely recognised. It has also been a pleasure to work alongside our Cornish partners, whose collaborative and insightful approach gives me real confidence that we’re moving toward better outcomes for deaf people across all services.”

“It’s been long awaited”

Chris Gould, a member of the Diabetes Lived Experience Group, who has type 2 diabetes and is deaf, said:
“Having information in BSL, at last, is exciting for the deaf community, as it shows that the needs of the deaf community are being taken seriously. It’s been long awaited, and I hope we can develop more to include deaf people to bring long overdue equality.”

Part of a wider effort

This work follows on from a BSL ‘Diabetes and You’ course piloted earlier this year. It responds directly to feedback from deaf individuals who said they often struggle to find clear and reliable information about diabetes in a language they can fully understand.

The films are expected to be used locally and nationally to support deaf people living with diabetes and form part of wider work by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, which also includes setting up a diabetes lived experience group to help shape future services.

📷An event at the Regal Cinema, Redruth has premiered new educational diabetes films in British Sign Language