Interpreting and translating

You may need help in talking to us if you don’t speak English well, or you may need a letter or bill explained.
We can help you with translation if English is not your first language. We also provide a sign language service for deaf people.

Sign language interpreting service

We provide a confidential, professional and highly qualified interpretation between sign language and spoken English.

We can help with a variety of council-related processes, including council tax enquiries, benefits and welfare rights services.

How to use the sign language interpreting service

Visit or call us at AccessPoint in Catford, where our sign-language interpreters are based.

Translation service

We have qualified interpreters who provide telephone interpretation in 140 different languages.

You can use this free service when:

• you telephone us at Call Point
• you visit AccessPoint in Catford or Deptford.

How to use the telephone translation service
When you call us, tell us which language you require. We will call our translation service, who will provide an interpreter within five minutes. Then you can speak to us in a three-way telephone conference.

Face-to-face translation in meetings
We can arrange for translators and signers to join you at face-to-face meetings, such as social care meetings and school meetings.

If you would like a translator or signer to be present at a meeting that you are attending, please inform the person, school or department you are meeting at least five days in advance.

Translated information

Publications
If you need any Lewisham Council document translated, please read the translation statement on its back page. It will give a contact phone number for you to call.

Multikulti website
This external site gives legal information on debt, employment, health, housing, immigration and welfare benefits, translated into 12 languages.