Access to support
I want to know if my health professional or GP has already referred me into the programme
You can call the Support Team on 0808 196 3382 and we will look into this for you.
I have been contacted by a volunteer asking how they can help. I haven’t asked for any support?
Your GP or another health or care professional may have asked us to call you to offer support. Please call the Support Team on 0808 196 3382 and we can look into this for you.
Can I have a copy of the privacy notice?
Our privacy notice is available on our website but if you would like a copy to be posted, please contact our Support Team on 0808 196 3382 and we can arrange this for you.
When/how will people receiving support be notified about the programme?
Letters are sent to anyone who has been referred or has self-referred into the programme. They include details about the type of support you will receive and our Support Team contact number if you require any further information.
Can I be matched with a volunteer who speaks my language?
Even though we have a diverse volunteer community who speak many languages, we unfortunately can't guarantee a match.
Can I use BT Relay UK to contact the support team?
Yes, you can contact our support team. Call 18001 followed by 0808 196 3382. To find out more about how to use BT Relay UK including downloading the app, visit:
I am a Relay UK user and need support, can I use it with Volunteer Responders?
You can access Telephone Support and Community Response. On the referral form please ensure that you include your text number which starts with ‘07777’ or ‘03306’ or add the prefix 18002 followed by your full number (including area code).This will help us identify that you are a relay user.
I am deaf/hard of hearing can I use telephone support?
Yes you can, we use BT Relay UK service to make and receive calls which supports hearing impaired individuals with the support of a relay assistant.
Visit relayuk.bt.com to find more about how to use BT Relay UK including downloading the app.
I have a speech impairment can I receive telephone support?
Yes you can, we use BT Relay service to make and receive calls which supports speech impaired individuals with the support of a relay assistant.
Visit relayuk.bt.com to find more about how to use BT Relay UK including downloading the app.
What is BT Relay UK?
BT Relay UK is a service that helps deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired individuals make and receive phone calls. A relay assistant acts as an intermediary, typing what the caller says to the recipient and reading or typing back what the recipient says.
How does BT Relay UK work?
When you make a call through BT Relay UK, you are connected to a relay assistant. The relay assistant will type what you say to the person you are calling. The relay assistant then reads or types back what the other person says to you.
How do I access BT Relay UK?
How does the Relay UK app work?
Relay UK app works with ordinary smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs which means you can use the relay service wherever you can get an internet connection. You can also still use a textphone if you have one.
Visit relayuk.bt.com to find more about how to use BT Relay UK including downloading the app.
Can I still use my textphone?
Not everyone wants to use a mobile, tablet, or computer to make their calls. If you want to carry on using your textphone (Minicom/Uniphone), that's fine.
Is there a charge for using BT Relay UK?
The Relay UK service itself is free. You'll only pay your normal charges for the calls you make. Check with your phone provider for more details.
How long does it take to connect a call using BT Relay UK?
Connecting a call through BT Relay UK may take slightly longer than a regular phone call due to the relay assistant's involvement. Please be patient.
Is my conversation confidential when using BT Relay UK?
Yes, relay assistants are bound by confidentiality agreements and are trained to maintain the privacy of your conversations. For more information click on the BT Privacy Policy
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Page last reviewed: 01 April 2025