Deaf Indonesian Mental Health Group November 2025

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Herbert Klein, and I am based in London, UK. I am Deaf and use British Sign Language.

For over 32 years, I worked within the National Health Service under the Department of Health, dedicating my career to the National Deaf Mental Health Services for children, adolescents, adults, and families across England. My journey has included roles ranging from therapist to senior management, as well as teaching, lecturing, consulting, and advising.

Although retired from the NHS, my passion for Deaf mental health advocacy continues. I currently volunteer as:

Chair of Remark! Community (a range of community projects to reduce loneliness and isolation)

President of the British Society for Mental Health and Deafness

Ambassador for the European Society for Mental Health and Deafness

Member of the World Federation of the Deaf Mental Health and Health Expert Group

Contributor at King’s College London University

For the past seven years, I’ve been working on a Deaf mental health project in Indonesia, fundraising through GoFundMe and securing sponsorship. I collaborate with local Deaf-led organisations, such as Gerkatin (Indonesian Deaf Association) and Pusbisindo (promoters of BISINDO, Indonesia’s natural sign language).

Why This Project Matters

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and its Deaf community—estimated at 60,000 members across 17,000 islands—is particularly vulnerable. Many have no access to emergency alerts or mental health care.

As part of our work, we conducted a large-scale study using the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ), interviewing 653 Deaf individuals across 18 islands. The findings were alarming:

30% had considered suicide

87% reported experiencing mental health challenges

50% felt uncertain about their future

We also filmed first hand testimonies from Deaf Indonesians affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and volcanoes. Our research revealed that:

97% have no access to mental health support

70% have never received emergency training or alerts

You can view our work at: https://www.remark.uk.com/indonesia

My Next Mission

In November 2025, I plan to return to Indonesia for what I believe will be my final visit for this project. I will also be delivering Deaf mental health workshops for the first time in Malaysia and South Korea.

This initiative is about more than just research—it’s about empowering a community, sharing untold stories, and building resilience for future disasters.

How You Can Help

We are seeking sponsorship to continue this important work. In return, we would be proud to display your logo across our social media channels, increasing visibility for both your brand and the global issue of Deaf mental health and disaster preparedness.

Altogether we are trying to raise in the region of £5000 and any contributions towards that total would be very welcome.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I would be happy to answer any questions or provide further details.

Warm regards,

Herbert Klein