interpreting service
support young people who prefer to communicate in a language other than english
connecting now
The service uses qualified interpreters to help you and the young person communicate clearly. A telephone interpreting call usually involves three people: you, the young person and the interpreter. The young person may also have an agent or support person with them.
what service connecting now provides
Connecting Now provides telephone interpreting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can use:
- on-demand telephone interpreting when you need an interpreter straight away
- pre-booked telephone interpreting for an appointment at a set time
- pre-booked video interpreting
- pre-booked interpreting for languages that aren’t available through the automated phone system.
getting access to connecting now
Connecting Now’s is only for youth coaches supporting young people enrolled in the Youth Service programme.
The phone number, site code and PIN mustn’t be given to young people or anyone outside your organisation.
Before using Connecting Now for the first time, email YSSU at YouthService@msd.govt.nz.
Tell YSSU:
- your name and provider organisation
- the young person you’re supporting
- the language the young person needs support with
YSSU will email you instructions for connecting to Connecting Now.
on-demand interpreter
Use the on-demand service when you need a telephone interpreter straight away.
Call Connecting Now using the details provided by YSSU. Select the interpreting services and follow the automated instructions. You’ll need to enter the Youth Services code and select the language you need.
The system will connect you with an interpreter as soon as one is available. Be ready to begin the conversation when the interpreter joins the call.
pre-booking an interpreter
A pre-booking may be suitable when:
- you need an interpreter at a particular time
- the young person needs a rare language or dialect
- you need a video interpreter
- the young person has asked for an interpreter of a particular gender.
Contact YSSU to arrange a pre-booked interpreter.
before the call
Check the young person’s preferred language and dialect. Let them know that a qualified interpreter will be joining the conversation.
Find a private place for the call and have any information you need ready. This will support a clear conversation and help protect the young person’s privacy.
during the call
Speak directly to the young person rather than speaking to the interpreter. Use clear language and pause regularly so the interpreter has time to interpret what has been said.
Check that the young person understands the information and give them time to ask questions.