Life in lockdown- episode 14: Holly, returning home to profoundly deaf parents, and sharing BSL signs Let's Talk by the University of Edinburgh

Holly McConnell is a 2nd year PE undergraduate, who began university at the age of 16, and in lockdown is combining university work with supporting her parents, who are both profoundly deaf. Holly tells us about the Youtube videos that she is making with her Mum, sharing signs so that others can learn more about British Sign Language. She also talks about growing up with sign language as her first language, and learning English at nursery age. She talks about moving into halls and starting university so young, and having been used to a quiet household. She loves her sport and her friends, and is also aware of an impact on her mental health, and she shares with us ways she develops to stay mentally well.

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For Coronavirus updates and advice,and FAQs please see the University webpages here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/covid-19

The Chaplaincy blogs ‘For Times Like These’ https://www.ed.ac.uk/chaplaincy/for-times-like-these are written specifically for mental health and wellbeing support during lockdown, as are these mindfulness virtual drop-ins: https://www.ed.ac.uk/chaplaincy/mindfulness-and-wellbeing/mindfulness-virtual-drop-ins

For University support

The University Listening Service (for students and staff) is continuing throughout the lockdown, listening.service@ed.ac.uk

Student Counselling Service, https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling

Staff Counselling Service, https://www.ed.ac.uk/counselling-services/staff

If any of the issues in this broadcast have affected you and you’d like support, here are some helplines.

If you feel that you or someone you are with is in danger right now, please call 999

A 24/ hour emergency mental health service, Mental health assessment service

us on 0131 537 6000.

· Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87

· The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

· Edinburgh Crisis Centre 0808 801 0414