Living Well at Home UKClear, practical guidance for later life
Practical guide

By Does Your Duck Quack

Getting help when English is not your first language

Ask NHS and council services for a professional interpreter, translated information or BSL support so you can understand care and make informed choices.

Checked: 6 October 2026 · Next review: 6 April 2027 · Applies to: UK, with nation notes
How this guide was prepared

Purpose: how to guidance · Level: detailed

Checked by: Does Your Duck Quack. Sources are linked below; seek professional advice for individual circumstances.

The short answer

What to do first

Ask NHS and council services for a professional interpreter, translated information or BSL support so you can understand care and make informed choices.

Start here: Tell the receptionist the language and dialect, whether the person prefers an interpreter of a particular gender, and whether they need in-person, telephone or video interpreting. A Deaf person may need a qualified BSL interpreter or another communication professional.

Scope of this guide

This guide helps you understand the options and questions to ask. It is not personal medical, legal or financial advice. Check the official sources for your nation and seek qualified help for high-stakes decisions.

Who this guide is for

People who want to discuss health or care in a language they understand, including people who use British Sign Language or another communication method.

Using everyday English is not always enough for a conversation about diagnosis, consent, medicines or a complaint. A person should be able to explain what matters and understand the response. Ask the service for a professional interpreter or another communication adjustment. Family can offer support if the person wants, but should not be expected to interpret sensitive or complex information, especially children.

Practical steps

1. Ask for the right support when booking

Tell the receptionist the language and dialect, whether the person prefers an interpreter of a particular gender, and whether they need in-person, telephone or video interpreting. A Deaf person may need a qualified BSL interpreter or another communication professional.

2. Make sure the professional speaks to the person

The clinician or social-care worker should address the person directly, use short clear sentences and pause for interpretation. The interpreter should convey the full conversation, not answer for the person. Ask for time to discuss private subjects without relatives present if desired.

3. Request translated or accessible information

Ask whether letters, appointment instructions, consent information and follow-up advice can be translated or provided in an accessible format. For BSL users, ask whether an interpreter or signed video information is available.

4. Plan interpretation for care and council meetings

Tell the council or care team before an assessment or review so it can arrange language support. Explain the person’s preferred language, privacy needs and any specialist vocabulary. Do not rely on a family member to translate safeguarding, capacity, financial or care-planning conversations.

5. Raise a concern if support is missing

If an interpreter does not attend or communication is unclear, tell the service before agreeing to a non-urgent decision and ask to rearrange or use a suitable remote interpreter. For urgent care, explain the risk and ask the clinical team to find a safe way to communicate.

Questions and checks

Common questions

Can I get a free interpreter at an NHS or council appointment?

Ask the NHS service or council to arrange a professional interpreter without charging you. The booking route varies locally, so request support when the appointment or assessment is arranged and confirm it is in place. Give the language or communication method needed.

Can my child or relative interpret for me?

A relative can support you if you choose, but should not be relied on as the interpreter for complex, confidential or important decisions. A professional interpreter is more likely to translate accurately and preserve privacy. Children should not be asked to interpret adult health or safeguarding conversations.

How do I request a BSL interpreter?

Tell the service that the person uses British Sign Language and ask it to arrange a qualified interpreter or suitable communication professional. Book as early as possible and explain if remote interpreting is not accessible. Do not assume that written English, lipreading or a hearing aid meets the person’s needs.

What if an interpreter is not available?

Explain why the discussion cannot safely proceed without communication support and ask for an alternative such as a qualified telephone or video interpreter, a rearranged non-urgent appointment, or accessible written information. Urgent clinical care should not be delayed without discussion; ask the team to find a safe method and explain the risks.

Differences across the UK

Interpreter policies and translated information differ between NHS bodies, councils and HSC trusts. NHS interpreting and accessible-information arrangements are delivered by local services; request support through the GP, hospital, health board or HSC Trust. In England the Accessible Information Standard covers disability-related communication needs, including BSL; spoken-language interpreting is commissioned locally. Councils should consider communication needs and reasonable adjustments, but booking arrangements differ. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own public-service policies and languages. Ask each service to confirm who will arrange and fund the professional support; do not assume one NHS booking covers a council meeting.

Primary sources

The publisher checked this guide against the 9 official sources below. This is an editorial source check, not approval by a clinician, lawyer or benefits adviser.

Editorial note: By Does Your Duck Quack.