MSDP are here to help
Whether you’re looking for a GP, trying to understand how recycling works, or want to report a crime, we’ve gathered some useful information to help you enjoy life in Liverpool and the Merseyside area. You’ll also find details about other useful organisations that can provide support.
For more detailed guidance you can download our Welcome Pack.
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About our services
Merseyside Society for Deaf People (MSDP) has supported Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities across Merseyside since 1864. The majority of our staff are Deaf, and all staff working directly with clients can use BSL.
We offer a range of services to help you feel confident and supported in your local community, including:
- Equipment Service – Help with flashing doorbells, vibrating alarms, TV aids, and more.
- 1:1 Advice Sessions (Duty Service) – Support with letters, appointments, benefits, housing.
- Support Services – Tailored help with independent living, hobbies, and social activities.
- Training – Accredited British Sign Language courses from Level 1 to Level 6, and Deaf Awareness sessions for organisations and businesses.
- Community Groups – Deaf and Hard of Hearing clubs, craft sessions, walking groups, sports nights, bingo and more.
Getting to know the local area
Buying food
There are many supermarkets across Merseyside. Aldi and Lidl offer some of the best value. Larger supermarkets are usually cheaper than corner shops.
Sending letters or parcels
Go to a Post Office to send post or parcels. You can also book delivery services online, for example at parcel2go.com.
Claiming benefits
You may be entitled to financial support like University Credit. How much you get will depend on your situation. MSDP can help you find the right person to speak to about benefits, or there is a lot of advice on the Citizens Advice website.
Emergency food
If you’re in crisis, you can get help from a food bank. You’ll need a Foodbank Voucher, which you can get from a charity or from your local Citizens Advice. To find your nearest foodbank, visit trusselltrust.org.
Accessing NHS healthcare
Everyone has the right to free NHS healthcare, including asylum seekers and refugees. Everyone also has the right to an interpreter, see more below.
Registering with a GP
Visit your local GP surgery and ask for a registration form. If you need help, staff can arrange a BSL or spoken language interpreter. You don’t need proof of ID or address to register.
When the GP is closed
Call 111 for health advice or help finding out what to do next.
Healthcare in an emergency
In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E (Accident and Emergency) at the hospital. You can also use BSL999 (on their website or download the mobile app), which connects you with a live BSL interpreter via video.
A&E departments are located at:
- Aintree University Hospital, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7AL
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Mount Vernon Street, Liverpool L7 8YE
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital (specialist care for women), Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (for children under 16), E Prescot Road, Liverpool L14 5AB
Pharmacies
Pharmacists can help with minor health issues like colds, rashes, or sore throats. They can also provide pregnancy tests and contraception advice.
Dentists
If it’s urgent, call 111. Otherwise, register with an NHS dentist near you:
www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist
Opticians (eye care)
You can visit high street opticians like Specsavers or Vision Express. Some people may qualify for free eye tests and help paying for glasses:
Free NHS eye tests
Help with health costs
If you’re on a low income, apply for the HC2 certificate. It covers NHS prescriptions, dental care, glasses, and travel for treatment.
Apply with a HC1 form: More info here
Contacting the emergency services
- Police (emergency), Fire brigade & Ambulance – Call 999 or use BSL999 (on their website or download the mobile app)
- Police (non-emergency) – Call 101, or textphone 18001 101
BSL Interpreters
If you’re going to a medical appointment or police interview, ask them to contact MSDP to book a qualified BSL interpreter: 0151 228 0888.
Hate crime & discrimination
If you experience hate or discrimination, please know that help is available and you are not alone.
A hate crime is when someone targets you because of your identity. This might be due to:
- Your disability
- Your race or ethnicity
- Your religion or beliefs
- Your sexuality or gender identity
It can include being bullied or threatened, having your property damaged / stolen, being called offensive names, being physically hurt.
If it happens
Call the police: 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency). You can also Contact Stop Hate UK – call 0800 138 1625 or text 07717 989 025.
Need help reporting a hate crime?
There are over 70 third party reporting centres across Merseyside. Staff at these centres are trained to offer advice and support in a safe, welcoming space. They can help you report hate incidents or abuse to the police, or to Stop Hate UK.
Find your nearest centre by going to: merseyside.police.uk
Further support in Merseyside
We are here to support anyone who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Merseyside. However, if we are unable to help with a particular issue we will do our best to refer to someone who can help. Here are a few other fantastic organisations that you can get help from:
- British Deaf Association – bda.org.uk
- Deafness Resource Centre – deafnessresourcecentre.org
- Migrant Help UK – migranthelpuk.org
- Jewish Deaf Association – jdeaf.org.uk
- Black Deaf UK – blackdeaf.co.uk
You can find a detailed list list of organisations in Liverpool and Merseyside that support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants on the Liverpool City Council website.
Their directory includes organisations providing a wide range of support, including: legal advice, food assistance, training opportunities, mental health services, social activities, and much more.
Get the Full Guide
You can download all the information on this page – and lots more – in our Welcome Pack. It is a helpful guide for anyone who is Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing and new to Merseyside. It includes information about MSDP’s support services, local resources and how to access essential services like healthcare and benefits.