A specialised mental health service for deaf people from 18 years onwards, covering Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Darlington and Teesside.
The team comprises:
Laura Gibbons
Team Manager/ Advanced Occupational Therapist
Emmanuel Chan
Advanced Practitioner, Nurse
Heather Thomson
Community Practitioner, Nurse
Emily Erceylan
Advanced Practitioner Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Sarah Davidson
Staff Nurse
Deaf and Deafblind people 18 years and older who have a range of mental health issues. Our target group are BSL (British Sign Language) users but we are happy to discuss referrals for other deaf non-BSL users.
The Mental Health and Deafness (MHD) service works in partnership with local Community Mental Health (CMHT) / Community Treatment Teams (CTT). The service offers specialist assessment, treatment and advice to compliment the work completed in secondary care. The service can also assist the person to engage with services, to understand interventions and can help to develop a communication passport.
The local CMHT / CTT will take care-coordination responsibility as this is not provided by this tertiary service.
We welcome referrals from Community Mental Health (CMHT) / Community Treatment Teams (CTT). Please complete the referral form.
GPs should refer to the local CMHT/CTT and request they involve the Mental Health and Deafness Service.
We also welcome informal telephone discussion about any concerns and potential referrals you may have.
Patients are seen at the community bases, GP surgeries or their own homes, whichever is appropriate
North East Mental Health and Deafness Service
First Floor Ashgrove
Saint Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Email: MHD
Telephone: 0191 287 5077
Mobile: 07584 33 95 39
A patient information leaflet is also available at www.
This leaflet is also available in BSL at www.cntw.nhs.uk/bsl.
For mental health self help guides and other useful BSL resources visit: www.
Deaf friendly information e.g. deaf clubs in your area and organisations for Deaf people visit: www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/north-east-mental-health-deafness- service-walkergate-park/local-and-national-support/
• Emergency SMS can be used to contact police, ambulance or fire in an emergency. You need to register your phone https:/
• SHOUT text service. If you are struggling to cope, Text DEAF to 85258
• Relay UK, Dial 18000 or, if using the app simply tap the 999 button for emergency services. www.
• https:/
• North East Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA) - deaf advocate. Contact us by text 07789 088 284 or BSL Whatsapp video on 07738 994 040.