Link Online

Opening doors to digital group activities, services and interests for our Link Friends. 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are relying on technology a lot more than usual. From family chats on FaceTime and WhatsApp messaging to online food deliveries and banking, being online is more important than ever. But not everyone has access to these tools to support their daily living and wellbeing at home. Even those with access to this technology may not have access to the necessary platforms, or the skills to use these platforms. There is a divide between those able to access and those excluded from online support.

The pandemic has given us the opportunity to accelerate an exciting new project, Link Online, which provides older people with tablet computers and the training needed to connect with friends and family and access a wealth of digital group activities, services and interests.  This is made possible through fundraising and grants such as the one we received from 'Magic Little Grants'.

We are helping lonely and isolated older people who are typically house-bound and excluded from these opportunities due to factors such as lack of knowledge, lack of equipment and lack of confidence. We assess everyone to see how we can help, whether that’s from the absolute beginning or whether further support is needed to expand existing knowledge. Our pilot has been highly successful, with clients telling us what a difference ‘being online’ is making to their lives.