The North East Mental Health and Deafness Service works with people who are:
- Deaf and Deafblind
- Aged 18 years or older
- Mainly use BSL (British Sign Language) to communicate
- Have mental health problems, for example depression, anxiety, dementia or psychosis, learning disability, neurodiversity.
- We understand Deaf culture and how it affects mental health. Our team includes staff who are Deaf or fluent in BSL.
We work with the Community Treatment Teams (the CTT) or Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT).
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
St 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.
For mental health self help guides and other useful BSL resources visit: North East Mental Health and Deafness Service :: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
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/
Please note the North East and Mental Health and Deafness Service is not a crisis service.The team can be contacted by telephone on 0758 433 9539 or email MHD
Local crisis support
In a mental health crisis, any day, any time, you can contact us:
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
- Texting 07860 064 775
- Using SignVideo
- Contacting 18001 111 using the Relay UK app
Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust
- Using SignVideo
- Contacting 18001 111 using the Relay UK app
National urgent mental health support
SHOUT 24/7
- Text ‘DEAF’ to 85258
Emergency services
- 999 BSL Emergency - emergency video relay service. Download the 999 BSL app.
- EmergencySMS – Register your mobile with emergencySMS to send a text to 999 for police, fire or ambulance services
- TapSOS – A non-verbal way to connect with the Emergency Services – Download the TapSOS 999 app
- Relay UK – Download the Relay UK app to make the call
For more information please see our useful resources section.