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A new scheme has been launched, jointly between charitable organisations and businesses, to ensure vulnerable members of our community stay connected during the ongoing lockdown.
It's seen older people and others classed as vulnerable given tablets, iPads and other wifi enabled devices so they can stay in touch with other people.
It's as a result of work by The Association of Guernsey Charities and We All Matter, Eh?, along with other local charities and businesses including:
There have also been private donations of second-hand devices, which will also be used to help as many people as possible, following advice from experts that show during these challenging times, it is important for family and friends to stay connected for everyone’s wellbeing.
The campaign has been led by Karen Blanchford, We All Matter, Eh? and Sector Representative for the Association of Guernsey Charities. She said: “Loneliness is difficult at the best of times, but this is especially true for many people at the moment.
Pictured: Karen Blanchford.
"By using technology, we hope that seeing friends, families and support groups faces will provide some comfort and support for the next few months. We thank Health Connections and Swoffers who will be arranging the distribution of the devices and we are extremely grateful to all the charities and businesses supporting this project. Phase 1 has been inundated with requests, and we would welcome more donations of tablets, iPads, wifi devices or SIM cards. Financials donations can also be made via our www.giving.gg event #StayConnected. Thank you to everyone involved”.
Malcolm Woodhams, Chairman, Association of Guernsey Charities, said: “We all know how important it is for communities to pull together in times of crisis or emergency. This campaign will make a real difference to the lives of many people in our island, especially now, when some may feel particularly isolated and lonely”.
Age Concern Guernsey Chairman, David Inglis said: “We have been grateful to offer internet access to Age Concern Guernsey Members as a result of this initiative. Staying connected with friends and loved ones will make a precious contribution to reducing any impact of social isolation at this difficult time. We want to encourage all older adults to stay at home and find new ways to keep in touch.”
Pictured: Malcolm Woodhams.
Karen Jagger, Sure Community Foundation said that as the We All Matter, Eh? campaign had identified the need within the community they were happy to help.
"The communities within our small island are very important to the Foundation, being able to connect people digitally to reduce the feeling of isolation from friends and family was a given for the Sure Community Foundation.”
John Clacy, Partner, Audit and Assurance at Deloitte agreed: “We are delighted to be able to help with this great cause and we hope the 20 iPads make a real meaningful difference to those households. Connectivity is so key at this time and we thank Karen and the charities for making this happen.”
Olly Duquemin, CEO, Resolution IT said it’s essential businesses and charities all work together to get through this together.
"We know that technology can play an important part in keeping us connected, allowing us to continue to interact, whether that be for social or work needs. We are happy to have helped #StayConnected and remain open to helping others where we possibly can.”
Bella Farrell, CEO, Health Connections said: "Health Connections is happy to partner with any organisation or initiative that enable people in the Bailiwick to be connected to support and information, which is especially vital these days as more and more people become isolated."
Pictured: The Association of Guernsey Charities represents hundreds of local organisations.
If anyone has a working wifi tablet device that they would like to donate, contact Karen Blanchford by emailing mail@charity.org.gg with details of the item.
Financial donations can be made through the AGC Giving.gg website.
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