Celebrating Vandu Languages: Interpreting Highlights from July 2024
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July 2024 was a monumental month for Vandu Languages, marking a new chapter in our journey of providing exceptional interpreting services. With the highest number of requests and completed bookings in our history, as well as the largest number of hours ever worked in a single month, our interpreters and team in Sussex went above and beyond to meet the growing demand.
From Arabic interpreting to an array of other languages, our services have never been more in demand. In this short blog, we’ll highlight our top five requested languages, celebrate the achievements of our top interpreters, and reflect on why these services are critical to supporting the diverse communities across Sussex.
A Record-Breaking Month for Interpreting Services
July saw a surge in interpreting requests, with Vandu Languages handling an impressive volume of assignments. We recorded:
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This is the highest number of bookings and completed jobs in our company's history.
In addition to the increase in requests, our interpreters logged the most hours ever completed in a single month:
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This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of our interpreters, who have been essential in helping us meet the needs of clients, whether for healthcare appointments, legal proceedings, or community services.
Top 5 Requested Languages in July 2024
The diversity of Sussex is mirrored in the languages we serve. Here are the top five languages requested by clients in July:
1. Arabic remained our most in-demand language requested. Our Arabic interpreters have been essential in helping clients navigate important services, especially in healthcare settings.
2. Pashto interpreting also remains solid in popularity, particularly due to the number of Afghan families and individuals settling in Sussex.
3. Kurdish Sorani and Sudanese Arabic, with the latter having seen a steady rise in demand largely attributed to recent migratory patterns among those fleeing the war in Sudan.
4. Persian (Farsi) interpreting services were particularly requested in public services and healthcare. From GP appointments to council interactions, our interpreters ensured that language was no barrier to accessing critical services.
5. Bengali speakers in Sussex continue to rely on our services for interpreting in a range of environments.
Spotlight on Our Top 5 Interpreters
July’s success would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our top-performing professionals. Although we’re proud of our entire team, we would like to highlight the interpreters who completed the most hours and consistently received glowing feedback:
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We would also like to bring some special mentions:
- Elizabeth Patterson became very active as a new interpreter, completing 15 jobs over July and August.
- Aiden Ammanuel Woldab joined us in August 2024 and completed 14 jobs!
- Some interpreters completed their first job in July: Jolita Spillman, Abi Akinyemi, Ben Spencer and José Luis Rodriguez Oliveira.
The Importance of Professional Interpreting Services in Sussex
Sussex is a vibrant and diverse region, home to people from many different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriches the community, but it also creates the need for specialised services like interpreting to ensure that everyone can access the same opportunities, support, and services.
Professional interpreting services are essential in breaking down language barriers, especially in critical areas such as healthcare, legal matters, and public services. By providing skilled interpreters in Sussex, Vandu Languages enables residents to:
- Access medical care confidently, knowing their concerns and symptoms are understood.
- Navigate complex legal proceedings with a full understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
- Engage with public services such as councils and social workers, ensuring that they receive the assistance they need.
The demand we receive for our interpreting services is driven by the increasingly multicultural population, which relies on organisations, businesses and service providers investing in interpreting services - allowing them to participate fully in daily life.
Why Interpreting Services in Sussex Continue to Grow
Several factors have contributed to the rising demand for interpreting services in Sussex:
Population Growth
Sussex has seen a steady increase in immigration, bringing in people from various linguistic backgrounds. As these communities grow, so does the need for interpreting services to ensure access to essential services.
Public Service Support
Public services such as healthcare, education, and local government continue to require interpreting services to meet their legal and ethical obligations to provide equal access to all residents, regardless of language ability.
Complex Legal and Healthcare Needs
Many of our clients need interpreting services for complex legal and medical matters. From navigating the NHS to ensuring fair representation in the legal system, interpreters and bilingual advocates play a crucial role in ensuring clients understand their situations and options.
Looking Ahead: Join Us for Our 25th Anniversary Celebration!
As we reflect on this record-breaking month, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and compassionate interpreting services to all those who need them. Our goal is to continue breaking down language barriers and enabling everyone in Sussex to access the services they need, no matter what language they speak.
On the 8th of November 2024, Vandu Languages will be celebrating 25 years of providing interpreting and language services and we would like you to join us for this special event! It will be an exciting opportunity to connect with our team and the organisations we work with, learn more about our services, and enjoy a relaxed time with live performances and delicious lunch.
Mark your calendars and register for free with the following link: Vandu Languages 25th Anniversary Celebration.
