Thursday 26 July 2007 saw the launch of an exiting and new Emergency Text messaging service for the Hearing and Speech Impaired at the Methodist Church in Penrith.   This new service has been introduced by Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service.

Up until now it has not been possible for deaf, hearing or speech impaired people to contact the emergency services direct without the use of type talk.   To get around this problem the three emergency services have created a new special number '0778602080999' specifically for emergency contact to the '999' service using a text message.

This service is only available to deaf, hearing or speech impaired people of all age groups.   This service is not available to anyone else.

Cumbria Constabulary will take receipt of all emergency text messages and inform Fire Control of all incidents requiring the attendance of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service.

Click on the link below to download a leaflet