Language barrier

Never let it be said that Hull in print is in danger of being lost in translation. Speakers of 54 other languages can now read the stories in your award-winning magazine in their mother tongues. Translations are available on request, either in written or audio form, via a special service, which is being jointly funded by Hull City Council and West Hull Primary Care Trust, in order to overcome the language barriers experienced by those whose first language is not English. The team of interpreters and translators can also provide help with issues such as housing, health assessments and interviews.

Peter Waddingham, a home-finding officer Hull Housing, deals with the service on a regular basis. "A lot of the refugees I work with need help to understand issues like tenancy agreements and benefit forms," he said. "I can phone up and receive a translator or interpreter the following day for them, it is a very friendly service." Most requests for translation are from English to Kurdish, with Turkish, French, Czech and Mandarin also proving popular.

Sheila Gray, Interpretation and Translation Service coordinator, says awareness of the service is essential for those residents in need of language guidance. "We would like them to know that we are ready and waiting to help," she said. Sessions can take place by way of telephone, or through one-to-one meetings with interpreters.

For more information contact Sheila Gray, tel. 331544.