Anchor Hanover residents stay connected through technology during the pandemic

Throughout the pandemic Anchor Hanover has recognised the need for residents to stay in touch with loved ones and engage in activities in new ways.  

Anchor Hanover’s Get Connected scheme addresses this problem by boosting residents’ access to technology and improving their technological confidence through support and guidance. As part of the scheme, residents receive a tablet free of charge which they can use for activities and to communicate with family and friends. Anchor Hanover also provides technical assistance over the phone and helps residents get their devices up and running.

Walbrook Coates, 91, a resident at Anchor Hanover’s Holly Court housing scheme in Tottenham, has had a wonderful experience using a tablet given to him through the Get Connected scheme. Walbrook, who has lived with Anchor Hanover for over six years, found the pandemic particularly challenging as he was shielding. He has embraced the new technology which has helped to relieve his loneliness and allowed him to increase his physical activity while remaining indoors. 

He said:

I was thrilled when I heard about the Get Connected scheme and received a tablet from Anchor Hanover. I really look forward to the weekly activities hosted by Anchor Hanover on Zoom which I wouldn’t have been able to access without the tablet. I especially love the BeActive exercise classes which have improved my mood and mobility.

The tablet has helped Walbrook continue to love where he lives while having a positive effect on his mental health. 

He said:

Living at Holly Court is so lovely because of the community spirit and facilities of the building. The tablet has helped me to continue to enjoy this sense of belonging. Living at Holly Court has fulfilled all of my wishes.

The positive impact of technology on relationships across age groups has become even more evident during the pandemic. For Kathleen Wearmouth, 69, resident at Anchor Hanover’s Kensington Court housing scheme in Hartlepool, the Get Connected scheme has helped her connect with loved ones across generations.

She said:

The tablet has been extremely useful to me and kept me in contact with my grandchildren, children, family and friends. I also have a couple of games and puzzles which help me get through the day. I am so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to use the tablet and stay connected with the outside world.

The Get Connected scheme, launched in 2018 and part funded by Aviva, has been extremely successful with over 350 residents reached and more requests continuing to come in. 

Anchor Hanover’s Customer Engagement and Insight Manager Anna Clewlow said:

Although digital communication is not a replacement for in person interaction, it is important to offer technological solutions and support to our residents so they can stay in touch with loved ones. Technology has helped our residents with social isolation and has had a positive effect on their overall health and wellbeing.