Loneliness

Technology to the rescue. Tackling loneliness and isolation among the elderly during the pandemic

Although the world has never been so well connected (thanks to the fast-evolving tech industry), there are still millions of older people in the UK who have been left behind and excluded. 

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Technology to the rescue. Tackling loneliness and isolation among the elderly during the pandemic
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Although the world has never been so well connected (thanks to the fast-evolving tech industry), there are still millions of older people in the UK who have been left behind and excluded. 

Thanks to a new partnership between Dixons Carphone and Age UK this could all start to change. 

To combat loneliness amongst the most vulnerable elderly people in the UK, Dixons Carphone (the technology retailer, which owns Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse) announced that it is providing hundreds of free tablets (with mobile network connectivity) and a dedicated technology support phone line to those most in need. 

The partnership will see 500 tablets delivered (while observing strict social distancing guidelines) with easy-to-follow large-print instructions to those elderly people identified to be most vulnerable and in need. Following this, those individuals that receive a tablet will have full training and on-going support from a Dixons Carphone Expert.

Steph Harland, Chief Executive of Age UK, commented, “Age UK is delighted to partner with Dixons Carphone to support older people, especially during this unprecedented crisis. We’re both committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from amazing technology. Together, we can help older people to gain the skills and confidence to enjoy the benefits using technology can bring, and together we can make a real difference for older people through this crisis. Dixons Carphone’s immediate gift of vital technology for our staff has been a brilliant start.”

Alex Baldock, Chief Executive of Dixons Carphone stated that “COVID-19 is a threat to everyone, but especially to older people, to their mental as well as physical health. Many are anxious about being isolated, and we can help. Technology connects friends and family, as well as keeping older people entertained, productive and healthy. That’s why we’re working with Age UK to harness the power of technology, to fight the isolating threat of this virus by providing tablets and connectivity to some of the most vulnerable.

Having previously donated tech products to Age UK’s The Silver Line helpline - providing round-the-clock support and a listening ear, whenever an older person needs it, this latest installment of welcomed support from Dixons Carphone comes at a critical time in the pandemic cycle. The Silver Line helpline’s website stating, “With older people among those hardest hit by the outbreak of coronavirus, it’s never been more essential for The Silver Line to be there as a listening ear to those desperately in need of comfort and support. Calls to us are already up by 31% and we know the need will rise.”

The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED HELP, CALL THE SILVER LINE ANYTIME - 0800 4 70 80 90. 

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