ALEXANDER Stewart MSP has shown support to Happy to Translate.

The Edinburgh company, created by Trust, Hanover and Bield housing associations and now solely managed by Trust Housing Association, aims to break down barriers in communication between organisations and members of the communities they serve who have difficulty in communicating in spoken or written English.

Alexander said: “I am delighted to support Happy to Translate at their exhibition in Holyrood today.

"In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of languages spoken in Scotland. As a result, more service users need to communicate in languages other than English.

"Additionally, people who are physically impaired or disabled might require an alternative format in order to communicate. If these basic communication needs are not addressed an unfair barrier exists which may cause delays or prevent the service user from receiving the information or services they are seeking.

"Everyday activities such as filling in a form, visiting a doctor's surgery or making an appointment with a housing officer can be time-consuming and frustrating. Not only is this an inconvenience to an individual, in extreme situations it can affect their well-being or can even be life threatening if signs or warnings are misunderstood."

Happy to Translate aims to break down communication barriers by providing staff with the training, tools and the support needed to assist service users who have special communication needs.

The ability to meet these challenges confidently and effectively will be of great benefit to both staff and the organisation, and of course, to all communities at large.