Help for Disabled
A facility is available called Text Relay in the UK
What is Text Relay?
Text Relay is an automated service, so there’s nothing special you need to do when picking up.
If you're answering using a textphone, you'll see a message on your display telling you that you’re being connected to a text relay assistant (if the caller is using a telephone) or that you’re connected ‘Text to Text’ (if the caller is using a textphone).
If you're answering on a telephone, you will first hear a recorded message saying "please hold for an operator-assisted call from a textphone user".
A text relay assistant will then be connected to the call. They will be happy to explain anything you're unsure about, so don't hesitate to ask.
Do I need special equipment to make Text Relay calls?
Text Relay calls can be made from any textphone or telephone, including mobiles, so you don’t need any special equipment. If you need a textphone or would like to find out how to turn your computer into a textphone, you can find out how on the Text Relay Service website
What does it cost?
A bit less than you might think. On direct-dialled Text Relay calls (calls to and from a Text Relay service user) if they're not included in your package. Is the cost of a local call. If you have free calls then this will come from your calls allowance.
This will show on two lines, the first shows the code called 18001/18002 as free of charge and the second, the cost of the local call
How do I make a call from a textphone?
Dial 18001 followed by the number you’d like to call (including the area code or international calling code). The call will be connected and you’ll both also be connected to a relay assistant, who can provide text-to-voice and voice-to-text translation for you.
How do I make an emergency call from a textphone?
To make an emergency call, dial 18000 and you will get priority. If there are no relay assistants available, another call will be interrupted to allow the assistant to help you.
How do I call a textphone from my telephone? Dial 18002 followed by the number you'd like to call. You'll be connected to the person you're calling and, to a relay assistant who can help with translation.
Are calling features available to textphone users?
Yes, some features available on telephones can also be used on the Text Relay Service. They include:
Text call return: to find the last number who called you, dial 180011471 on your textphone. The last number to call will be shown in your display. If you’d like to return the call, dial 3.
Number withhold: to withhold your number dial 141 before your 1800 code. This will work for both textphone and telephone users.
Download the app to get started
Apple iPhone or iPad
Available on iOS 10 and upwards
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for Relay UK and look for the Relay UK icon
3. Select Get then download and install the App.
Android phone or tablet
Available on Android 6 and upwards
1. Open Google Play on your Android device.
2. Search for Relay UK app and look for the Relay UK icon.
3. Select to download and install the App.
Windows PC
Available for Windows 7, 8 and 10 with Java 1.7 or later installed
NOTE: The new Relay UK app will be available soon. In the meantime you can continue to use NGT Lite with your Desktop Computer.
If you can't run the Window installer
1. Download a zipped copy of the files
2. Extract the NGT Lite folder and all the files in the .zip into a suitable folder on your Windows PC.
3. Double-click the NGT Lite.exe file to launch the app.
Apple Mac computer
Available for Intel-based Apple Macs running OS X 10.7.3 or later and with Java 1.7 or later installed
NOTE: The new Relay UK app will be available soon. In the meantime, you can continue to use NGT Lite with your Desktop Computer.
1. Download NGT Lite for Mac.
2. Double-click to unarchive the file, then move to the Applications folder on your Mac.
Double-click NGT Lite.jar to launch it.
If you can’t run the app:
1. If you get a Security notification after you launch NGT Lite.jar, check your ‘Security & Privacy’ settings in System Preferences and 'allow apps from anywhere'.
2. When prompted, allow NGT Lite to run.
Remember: NGT Lite is currently only supported on Intel-based Mac Computers running OS X 10.7.3 or later