We are a trusted provider of British Sign Language (BSL) communication support across London and the South East (Kent).
We support Deaf people and train CSWs through:
👉 BSL Interpreting and support services
👉 Job Club for Deaf professionals
👉 CPD-accredited training and Deaf Awareness courses Whether you’re a college, business, or organisation, we offer cost-effective, reliable BSL interpreting services tailored to your needs. Looking for work as a Communication Support Worker or Interpreter? Deaf Umbrella offers a supportive team, caring community, and meaningful employment opportunities in the Deaf sector. With 25 years of specialist experience, we focus entirely on Deaf support services, so we don’t spread ourselves thin. From emergency cover to ongoing placements, we’re here to help. We also offer:
✔️ CPD-accredited online courses for CSWs
✔️ Job support for Deaf professionals
✔️ Deaf awareness training for UK workplaces and colleges
✔️ Free resources and toolkits to build inclusive spaces
If you're ready to improve communication, confidence, and access, we’ve got you covered.
24/09/2025
Applications for the London Writers Awards 2026 are now open.
Spread the Word’s free 10-month development programme supports London-based writers from underrepresented communities to develop their work, connect with agents and move towards publication.
is supported through a philanthropic donation by Sam and Rosie Berwick. Launched in 2018, the Awards have supported 144 writers, with 50 writers gaining agents and 62 securing book deals. It is now the most successful initiative of its kind in the UK.
24/09/2025
👋 Hola. Bonjour. Ciao. Hello… and HELLO in BSL!
It’s International Week of Deaf People, and this year’s theme couldn’t be clearer: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.
Here’s the thing: learning just a few BSL basics can turn:
☕ Awkward silence in the office kitchen → into “Tea?” signed with a smile
🛒 Clueless in Tesco → into a friendly “SORRY” in BSL (trust us, it works)
We’ve made it easy for you:
🎥 A free YouTube playlist with everyday BSL vocab (greetings, emotions, questions, and more)
📊 Quick facts to impress your mates (did you know there are 300+ sign languages worldwide?)
This week, don’t scroll past and try a sign, share a video, and give someone the joy of being greeted in their own language.
💜 Get our newsletter it here: https://www.deafumbrella.com/so/1dPbDUvbt?languageTag=en
23/09/2025
On the International Day of Sign Languages, we focus on ensuring that Deaf children grow up in an environment where they can fully access sign language from an early age is vital for their cognitive and social development.
Language deprivation is a serious issue that affects many Deaf children worldwide, leading to language delays that can impact their education and well-being.
Early access to sign language is crucial to prevent these delays and to promote healthy development.
Click the link to learn about language deprivation and the importance of access to sign language in the early years.: https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/sign-language-doesn-t-cause-language-delays-language-deprivation-does
This is a call to action for parents, educators, and communities to advocate for the rights of Deaf children and ensure they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
23/09/2025
At Deaf Umbrella, we believe in creating a world where everyone feels heard! If you're looking to enhance accessibility in your organisation, our tailored solutions in British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting and Deaf awareness training can make a real difference. Visit us at https://wix.to/jE6i3Pj to learn more! 🤝
22/09/2025
💡How to respond to… Part 5
📝 “We’ll just write it down for you” is like offering a paddle in place of a life jacket.
Sure, writing might help in some situations, but for many Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users, English is a second language. That quick note? It might as well be in French.
This week we're celebrating International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), and this year’s theme says it all: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.
Because without access to your first language, the one that reflects your identity, your culture, and your way of thinking, what real access is there?
🧠 Communication isn’t just about transferring words. It’s about connection, autonomy, and understanding.
And scribbled notes are no substitute for full, rich, meaningful language.
✊ When someone says “we’ll just write it down,” remember: that’s not access — that’s a shortcut.
Swipe for 5 ways to say “thanks, but no thanks” and advocate for sign language rights, not workarounds.
📌 SAVE IT. SHARE IT. And try one of these out next time it happens. Got a situation you want help responding to? Drop it in the comments or DM us — we’ve got your back.
Alt text: Text graphic with a soft purple and blue background. The text reads: 'How to respond to "we'll just write things down for you", it features the website URL: www.deafumbrella.com
22/09/2025
Today starts International Week of Deaf People (IWDP)!
The theme is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”—a powerful call for better recognition and implementation of linguistic human rights for Deaf people.
This celebration is an opportunity:
- to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all Deaf people and other sign language users
- to promote understanding among people about the problems Deaf people face in the community
- to draw the attention of the general public, the world’s politicians and developmental authorities towards the achievements of Deaf people as well as Deaf people’s worldwide community
- to promote the human rights of Deaf people with regard to equal access in education and to modern technologies.
✨✨✨✨✨✨
We’ve got a full programme for you during IWDP:
💡 Daily posts packed with insights, tips, and stories
📲 Fun and educational Instagram Reels and carousels
📰 A special newsletter titled "👋 Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Ciao… and HELLO in BSL!" (www.deafumbrella.com/subscribe - You'll love it!💜)
Are you ready to transform your business? Join us to explore how Deaf awareness training can benefit your team and improve service delivery! Understanding Deaf culture enhances team dynamics and fosters inclusivity. Let's empower each other! Visit us at https://wix.to/78sadT6 to learn more.
21/09/2025
🎭 Free theatre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences!
‘Mother Has Arrived’ is a unique six-hour durational performance, exploring politics, family, q***r history, and more. Two BSL interpreters will be present throughout, so the show is fully accessible.
Stay all day or come and go as you like. The Stage gave it five stars!
📅 Thursday 25th September, 11am–5pm
💻 Get your free ticket with code MHACOMP25
🔗 Link: http://mother-has-arrived.eventbrite.com
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19/09/2025
Inclusion is not an event.
It’s a culture.
It’s action.
It’s today.
As National Inclusion Week wraps up, we want to know — what’s one thing you’ve changed this week that you’ll keep doing all year?
19/09/2025
Meetings and presentations should be accessible to all!
Check out these 5 accommodations for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals:
1. Advance notice and materials
2. Professional sign language interpreters
3. Visual aids (slides, diagrams, or videos to supplement verbal presentations)
4. Clear and moderate-paced speech
5. Recorded meetings with transcripts or captions provided afterwards for reference
Awareness = Understanding the barriers
Action = Removing the barriers
✅️Embed inclusion into policies, budgets, and training and turn today’s conversation into tomorrow’s culture.
🖐️TAG A FRIEND WHO COULD USE THIS!
19/09/2025
At Deaf Umbrella, we're not just about providing services; we're about empowering Deaf professionals to thrive! Have you heard some of the inspiring success stories from our community? 🙌 Join us on this journey and see how we uplift Deaf identity and accessibility through our tailored support. Together, we can break down barriers and enhance inclusivity in workplaces.
👉 Check out our services: https://wix.to/2MH2xZA
Address
Unimix House, Platinum Suite, Abbey Road London NW107TR
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London & South East Region (Kent) provider of Sign Language Personnel.
If you are looking for reliable cost effective solutions for British Sign Language support staff in and around London and South East Area (Kent) then you have come to the right place.
If you are looking for work as a Communication Support Worker or Interpreter and you value a support network and caring employment community; we are your employers.
In the current economic climate cost cutting is a fact of life, many clients are looking to gain the maximum from their investment in such services - that is where we can help you.
Deaf Umbrella have been providers of specialist support for almost 20 years, we do not work in any other field supplying staff, that is why we are good at what we do.
Whether you need to cover sickness, short notice support, maternity cover or support whilst waiting to employ a new member of staff we can help.
🏆 Business of the Year 2019 winners
🏆 Online Business Award winners
by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards 2019.
