This year we helped 25 of our customers become more confident in using technology.
Colleagues at our independent living service Beep Assist have been working in partnership with Business in the Community which runs a digital inclusive programme called ‘ClickSilver’. The programme assigns vulnerable and older people to volunteer mentors, who work one-to-one teaching the basics of using tablets, phones, or PCs.
Twenty five Futures’ customers completed ClickSilver's course, with all feeling more confident in using technology, and less isolated by being able to easily keep in touch with loved ones more easily.
One Futures' customer said the programme has made her more independent: "I felt lonely before starting ClickSilver. It was difficult for someone of my age to know how to use a tablet, so I used to rely on other people to do it for me, but now I can do things myself.
"I had no idea how to use a tablet before. I found it difficult at the beginning, but now I know how it works it’s great! It’s been a very lovely experience; my mentor was so good and happy to repeat things as needed. I can now listen to music, particularly classical and older music from the sixties, which brings me much enjoyment."
Having access to the internet is becoming more and more of a necessity in connecting customers to their loved ones and even in their day-to-day life. We also installed free Wi-Fi this year in the communal areas at our sheltered schemes, Saxon House and Warwick Court in Daventry, Valerie Hanson House, Rushton and Mayors Walk.
