Emergency services throughout the South West of England are enhancing their partnership working as the emergency text number for Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and speech impaired people becomes available this month.

The 80999 text number has been used in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since 2004, where text messages are received directly in to the police control room. The controller then calls for assistance as required from any of the emergency services, including police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, mountain and cave rescue.

There are now four more regions joining Hampshire Constabulary, expanding this invaluable service to those who are deaf or speech impaired right across the South West, encompassing the areas of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall.

Emergency services are publicising the number with a specially designed leaflet which shows an example of the type of incident where the service could be used. It shows a hearing impaired woman who comes across a crashed car and texts for help.

This service has been introduced to improve access for deaf people and speech impaired people to the emergency services, and compliments the work of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Police Link Officers for Deaf People (PLOD), which has been active for almost five years.

The public launch of this service coincides with Learn to Sign Week, an annual series of events coordinated by the British Deaf Association which gives schools the opportunity to get involved, with anything from learning British Sign Language to helping raise money for the charity.

Head of Communications for Avon and Somerset Police, Chief Superintendent Dave Hayler, said: "I am really excited to be part of the expansion of this service, which has been very successful in Hampshire.

"Many of us are fortunate enough not to require the emergency services often, if at all, but just knowing you have access to them can provide immense reassurance.

"This mobile text service gives that reassurance to people who cannot use voice telecommunications and reduces a significant barrier in an emergency situation."

Avon Fire & Rescue Service Area Manager Brian McCutcheon, Head of Risk Reduction, said, "We're delighted to be involved with the expansion of this fantastic service for members of the deaf community.

"We're committed to making our services available to all and this is the latest in a number of partnership initiatives we are involved in to ensure we are accessible to everyone in the community."

Dr Ossie Rawstorne, Clinical Director for Great Western Ambulance Service welcomed the new service and said: "This expansion of the 80999 text service is excellent news for deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired members of the public. It ensures people with these disabilities can fully access urgent and emergency care, whether it be for themselves or a friend or family member. We are delighted to be involved in this service."