A SocialBox.Biz blog post update by Heather
As the C-19 pandemic continues to loom, we’ve seen that more and more older adults are digitally excluded. They lack access to working laptops and are missing out on opportunities to connect with loved ones, entertainment, and enrichment. Through our partnership with Age UK sites, we are changing that trend one laptop at a time.
In Age UK East London, for example, three laptops were given to housebound clients who participated in Age UK’s ‘Crossing the Digital Divide’ program. In another case, eight laptops were split between staff who were moved to work from home during the pandemic and developing digital capability with Age UK clients.
According to Age UK Merton, donated laptops are being used for staff members and the 400+ new clients they’ve received from the Community Response Hub, which was set up in partnership with the council, NHS, and local charities to support anyone in need due to COVID-19. The laptops are helping access and update client records and enable the support of many more people.
Another Age UK site plans to begin a program called “Digital Library”, which will help clients delve into social media.
This is just one example of many of programs Age UK has developed online for clients. With the donated laptops, clients can try out the various online activities and combat social isolation.
Age UK Redbridge, Barking, and Havering’s project Di’s Diamonds is collaborating with Create to create virtual art groups. Donated laptops will let clients log on and participate. By the end of the sessions, clients will be able to produce their own books.
As more and more organisations take note of digital exclusion and the impact this has on the elderly, we are seeing an increase in laptops. We thank our partners and encourage anyone interested in donating to contact us today!
SOCIALBOX.BIZ | JUNE 2020 CASE STUDY AGE UKs
25 June 2020 additional case studies received
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen time and time again how the elderly have been impacted by digital exclusion. Through our partnership with Age UK, however, we’ve seen many success stories.
According to Age UK, the lockdowns have shown older people the true need for a laptop or smartphone for keeping in touch with loved ones. For instance, Zoom is extremely popular among older people, where this age group was once “afraid” to use digital devices.
Age UK Westminister expressed gratitude for the laptops received, as these tools helped reunite older people with the world around them.
“Thank you SocialBox.Biz for the laptop,” said one Age UK client. “I have been using Zoom to touch base with family and friends. I am also using the laptop to listen to music and access church activities online. It has made a huge difference in my life and I’m very grateful.”
Another client said, “I would like to express my thanks to Social Box, for providing me with this very fine Toshiba Portege laptop. It was such a kind thought, and most unexpected! The gift really cheered me up during a depressing time. The fact that I will be able to play the laptop on batteries will be a great advantage to me. Lucky, lucky me! I will then be able to take it to training school with me to learn how to really get the best out of it. Hopefully, this will help me to make new friends there!”
As COVID-19 continues, SocialBox.Biz is ramping up donation efforts to provide more and more older people with the technology they need to stay in touch with the world around them.
Curious about participating with the old no longer needed but still useful tech from your office ? Connect with us today!
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