Charnwood Borough Council

Interpreting Services

The Borough Council provides a free interpreting service for people who may find it difficult to communicate in English.

If your enquiry is straightforward it may be possible to provide an interpreter right away. In other cases a special appointment will be made when an interpreter can be present.

Languages currently available include:

Afrikaans, Bengali, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi and Urdu

Other languages are available upon request.

The Council can also offer British Sign Language for people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment.

If you, a relative, or a friend, would benefit from this service please inform a member of staff upon arrival at the Council offices.

The Council also has access to a 24-hour telephone interpreting service. To use this service call 01509 634560. This is particularly useful for home visits or if a person is unable to come to the Council Offices, and needs to deal with the Council over the telephone.

Arrangements can also be made to translate important Council documents into other languages.

For more information on interpreting and translation services at the Council please call (01509) 634603.

Alternative Formats

The Council is able to provide written material in alternative formats for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The following formats are currently available:

• Large Print; (up to font size 24 point)
• Braille
• Audio Tape
• E-mail
• Computer Disk

Please contact the relevant service that produced the original information and tell them which format you would prefer it in.

If you require information in an alternative format but are not sure which service to contact please call the Communications Team directly on 01509 634603.

Hearing Loops

Hearing/induction loop systems are installed at the following reception points and Council buildings;

• Customer Service Centre (Southfields)
• Committee Rooms 1,2, and 3 (Southfields)
• Council Chamber (Town Hall)

PLEASE INFORM A MEMBER OF STAFF IMMEDIATELY IF THESE HEARING LOOPS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY

If you require further information on hearing loops or access to services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a hearing impairment, please contact the Communications Team on (01509) 634603, Minicom (01509) 215996.