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But how can Deaf and hard of hearing people report a Hate Crime? Can police station staff communicate with them? Do police have textphones or SMS messaging? How do police staff reassure and advise Deaf and hard of hearing people?

Deaf Action's Edinburgh-based staff have been working with Lothian and Borders Police to address these issues. Deaf Action is now a Remote Reporting Centre - Deaf and hard of hearing people who are victims of Hate Crime can talk to a member of Deaf Action Social Care staff, who will link with Police Officers to resolve the situation. You can report a crime formally, informally, or anonymously, but however you decide to do it, the police want to hear from you.

So if you, or any friends or family are the victim of Hate Crime, come and talk to our Social Care staff, and together we can tackle the problem.

MENTAL HEALTH AND DEAFNESS
Deaf Action is delighted to report that it will be delivering a new service, in partnership with NHS Lothian, which will see the development of a locally based mental health service for deaf people, the first of its kind in Scotland.

Assessment and treatment will be provided by a Community Mental Health Nurse and Occupational Therapist who will work directly with deaf people. Both members of staff will be based at Deaf Action's Head Office in Edinburgh and work closely with the Social Care Team.

The new members of staff will also have a liaison, education and awareness-raising role across all specialist mental health and primary care mental health care areas in Lothian.

For more information contact the Head Office.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (CAB)
There are many CAB offices in Scotland where trained volunteers provide information on problems such as applying for Disability Living Allowance, returning items to a shop (like a pair of trousers, TV, mobile phone) if they are torn or broken or dealing with a debt - for example not paying the Council Tax, or owing money to a catalogue company.

While these volunteers provide a vital service to the public, many will possess an inadequate level of British Sign Language skills or none at all, and therefore if a Deaf person makes an appointment to get advice, a BSL/English Interpreter will be required.

However with the help of new volunteer, Rosie Addis, a full qualified BSL/English Interpreter, Portobello CAB office has changed all that. Located on Bath Street (next to Scotmid), Rosie is available on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, between 9.45am and 12pm. If you want to make an appointment to see her, you don't need to book an interpreter. Email portobello@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk to ask for an appointment with Rosie, or drop into the office on a Wednesday or Thursday morning before 11am.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG
We are delighted to be planning more holiday activities for young deaf people, funded this year by the Camelot Foundation. We will again be asking young people of secondary school age what activities they would like, and setting up an exciting programme based on their views. Young deaf people are encouraged to bring along a friend, or brother or sister to join the fun. Our deaf youth workers use a range of communication methods, and communication support will be provided so that everyone will get the most out of the events. Past events have included powerboat rides, graffiti art and snowboarding. Get in touch and let us know what you want!

For more information, contact Jackie Erskine on 0131 652 3219 (voice and text) 0791 7688116 (SMS) or jackie.erskine@deafaction.org