FAQs
If you’re using a PC or Mac, log on through our website www.interpreternow.co.uk to make a call.
If you are using a smartphone or tablet, please download the free InterpreterNow app. The app is available for both Android and Apple devices.
If you live in Scotland you can use the contactSCOTLAND-BSL service to phone any Scottish government department. This includes NHS 24, The Scottish Parliament and 32 Scottish Local Authorities.
If you live in England, you can call the following services:
- NHS 111
- NHS Customer Contact Centre
- Leicestershire Police 101
InterpreterNow is working with many national organisations across England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales to encourage them to sign up and work with InterpreterNow so that deaf people can communicate directly with them.
If you know of an organisation who would like to benefit from InterpreterNow, please ask them to contact us directly either by email; support@interpreternow.co.uk or phone 01494 687600.
As much as our interpreters love to see new people testing the service, please keep the call brief in case other people are trying to get through to the police or health services.
That’s why services (such as your GP, a business or an organisation) pay for InterpreterNow, not the deaf user. The only cost you may incur is phone data if you use 3G/4G to make calls, similar to the amount FaceTime uses, as the InterpreterNow app requires an internet connection.
If you’re not sure that the service will work for you, please make a test call. All of our interpreters are experienced and can adapt to your needs – all you need to do is start the call by explaining how you prefer to communicate.
For example, calling NHS 111 will connect you to a BSL interpreter, who will then call NHS 111 on your behalf, and relay information between you and the NHS 111 call handler.

For example, if a deaf person is with a doctor, instead of having an interpreter in the room with them, they can make a video call to an interpreter via an iPad, phone or computer. The interpreter will then translate the conversation between the deaf patient and their doctor.

Video relay allows deaf people to make a video call in sign language. The interpreter voices what the deaf person says, all in real time. The interpreter also relays in sign language what the hearing person says, in real-time. The interpreter can easily manage the conversation to ensure everything is clear and free-flowing.