A highly experienced team of digital volunteers from the Dorset Digital Hotline have been praised for the way they helped a ‘shielding’ couple connect with loved ones and the outside world during the COVID lockdown.
The big ‘thank you’ from Wareham residents Arthur and Daniel Brown marks this year’s #LetsTalkLoneliness Week (15-19 June 2020). The couple are keen for more people to know about the hotline which can offer support to anyone who wants to get connected with friends and family by video and provides help with any other IT or digital problem.
Arthur and Daniel, who are both ‘shielding’, moved to new sheltered accommodation with hours to spare before lockdown but their broadband connection didn’t move with them. In a new town, with social distancing rules taking hold, the couple found themselves isolated, alone and no connection to the outside world save their GP surgery.
Arthur said: “We were on our own for 10 weeks in all. We have always been loathe to go digital but our motivations changed during lockdown. It became crystal clear that all essential services and human contact relied on us getting broadband and video conferencing.
“We tried some internet service providers but the cost was too high and neither of us are able to work. Our GP surgery suggested we call the Dorset Digital Hotline who immediately suggested we apply for the BT Basic Broadband package. This was installed extremely efficiently and with full safeguarding adhered to. Dorset Digital Hotline advisers have been on the end of a phone throughout to make sure the broadband and video technology works for us.”
Daniel continued: “The BT Basic Broadband package is available for people on lower incomes. It was installed midweek and last Sunday we were invited to a 70th digital birthday party on Zoom. There were multiple screens so we could catch up with lots of people, many we hadn’t seen for years, and all party together. It was wonderful. Anyone who needs IT or digital support should get in touch with the hotline now, we thoroughly recommend it.”
A selection of some of the support the Dorset Digital Hotline can provide – no problem too small!
• helping families with digital applications for home schooling
• providing help to get online for home shopping
• support for all digital NHS services and e-Consult
• setting up video calls such as Skype and Facetime to keep in contact with friends and family
• support to use all digital appliances and solve problems
Cllr. Gary Suttle, Dorset Council cabinet lead for skills, said: “Without broadband or digital skills it must be incredibly difficult to shield. During the COVID lockdown, people without broadband have effectively been shut off. I am delighted we have been able to work as a team to find a good all-round solution for this couple.”
Anyone can call the Dorset Digital Hotline with an IT question on 01305 221000 (Option 2) weekdays from 10am to 12 noon, or leave a message.
