Text Relay service if you stammer

The Text Relay service can make telephone calls easier if you stammer.

*Update July 2024: You can also phone 999 and use its 'Silent Solution' option. See our Contacting 999 & First Aid page for details.

Making or answering telephone calls can be extremely difficult and frustrating if you stammer. 

You might feel rushed by the person on the other end; they might speak over you or even hang up as you struggle to speak, thinking they've been cut off. 

As a result, the telephone can be a source of dread for some people.

Text Relay, run by Relay UK, is a free service that can help. It allows you to text or type what you want to say, and a 'Relay Assistant' will speak the words for you. 

Some people might not like the idea of others talking for them, but if you are really struggling to speak on the phone, then Text Relay can help make it more accessible.

How to use Text Relay

To use the Text Relay service you need a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection, or a textphone. 

Unfortunately you cannot access the service through a normal telephone. If you have a textphone, see 'Making a call from a textphone' below.

1. Download the app

First you need to download a free app. If you are using a smartphone or tablet, download the 'Relay UK' app from the App Store or Google Play. If you're on a PC or Mac, you can download it from the Relay UK website.

Follow the simple instructions they give you to link the app to your phone number.

2. Making a call from a smartphone/desktop.

• Open the app.
• Dial 18001 followed by the phone number of the person/service you want to call. 
• When the person you're calling answers, a Relay Assistant will introduce the call for you and explain to them how the Relay UK service works.
• Use the keypad to type what you want to say and the Relay Assistant will read it out to the person you are calling. The Relay Assistant will then type the other person’s reply for you to read. 
• When the conversation has finished, disconnect the phone call.

Dialling 999

If you need to phone 999 for the emergency services, use the number 18000 instead of 18001.

Making a call from a textphone

If you have a textphone, all you have to do is dial 18001 followed by the phone number of the person you want to call. 

• You'll see 'Relay UK ring ring' on your textphone screen. If your call is answered, you'll see: 

1. 'Relay UK Answered, please wait for connection'
2. 'Relay UK Waiting for a free relay assistant'
3. 'Connected to Relay, please wait'

• Type your conversation and a Relay Assistant will type back the response from the person you are calling.
• End the call simply by hanging up.

For more information, visit the Relay UK website.