Getting the lowdown on GetConnected – Shona’s story

Friendships, relationships and social interaction play such a pivotal role in looking after our overall wellbeing. And with self-isolation and social-distancing measures in place at various points across the last year, it’s been really easy to feel the loss of human contact. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we do our utmost to stay connected - not only with our loved ones but with the world at large too. 

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. One such way is our GetConnected scheme, which amongst other things, aims to boost resident access to technology and improve a generation’s confidence in an increasingly digital world. 

We sat down with Shona Martin, our Customer Engagement Project Coordinator, to learn more about the scheme and the benefits it’s offered our residents…

How would you describe GetConnected?

The GetConnected programme provides support and guidance for people living and working with us on all things digital. We’re keen to help improve confidence and increase access to the digital world, ensuring residents are best placed to benefit from everything the internet has to offer. As always at Anchor Hanover, we’re dedicated to continually empowering our residents to get the very best out of life and continue to have their voices heard. Even as restrictions begin to lift, keeping up to date with the latest technology is just one way of doing that.

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

How does GetConnected work?

There’s two key branches of GetConnected by which residents can get involved:

The first is our individual tablet loan scheme. If any resident is keen to improve their digital skills, this branch of the programme provides a device for 10 weeks, free of charge! We’ll first ask you to complete a short questionnaire to ascertain your existing skills but after that, you’re good to go, with full access to our 6-week digital training course. This branch of GetConnected is a great opportunity for residents get to grips with the likes of FaceTime and Zoom, to easily keep in touch with loved ones without the need for supervision. And while it’s so important for residents, it also offers relatives peace of mind, knowing they too can get in touch directly at any time, with just the click of a button.   

The second branch of GetConnected is very similar but with slightly more of a focus on community. This is our resident engagement loan scheme, which can provide a location with up to 20 devices for 6 months and is perfect for enhancing wellbeing at one of our locations. Just moved in? We really encourage new residents to consider this branch of the scheme as it’s the ideal platform for setting up a social club or regular activity at your location, learning digital skills as a group and making friends along the way. 

How many Anchor Hanover residents have signed up so far?

We’ve seen a huge demand so far, with over 350 residents reached and more requests continuing to come in every day. So many of our residents have taken to the digital world like ducks to water, enjoying weekly activities over Zoom like the BeActive exercise classes as well as connecting with loved ones across generations. 

Hear more from two care home residents who have participated in the GetConnected Scheme here. You can also head here to learn more about our digital volunteers in housing.

How can residents get involved and who’s eligible?

The GetConnected programme is open to all Anchor Hanover residents and we’re keen to hear from anyone who’s got any questions or is just curious about how it could work for them. We have a limited number of devices that will work without the need for Wi-Fi Connection, which opens the offer up to everyone that is interested. To get in touch with us, please call 07929 774 101 or email us at [email protected].

Learn more about Anchor Hanover’s GetConnected scheme by heading to the dedicated section of our website, where you can find out more about each branch of the programme as well as further free digital resources: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/existing-residents/getconnected.