Case study: Digipals at Age UK Wandsworth

Digipals is a service delivered by staff from Age UK Wandsworth - alongside trained and checked volunteers - offering friendly digital support to older people across the borough of Wandsworth.

Digipals aims to enable older people benefit from digital connectivity whether that is shopping online, accessing information and entertainment on the internet or connecting with people via email, video call or social media.

Age UK Wandsworth received funding for one year to deliver Digipals which allowed them to buy android tablet computers with paid-for 4G connectivity. They have been loaned out to older Wandsworth residents for a period of up to 3 months. As face to face sessions couldn’t take place during lockdown, they were able to take place via secure remote support software (already installed on the devices) and also by telephone instead.

Towards the end of the 3 month period, if the learner wanted to purchase their own device, Age UK Wandsworth was able to support them with that as well as offer advice on wifi and data packages. Continued support has also been available either remotely or in group sessions once they restarted. When restrictions allow, the Digipals will also be back in the local libraries and sheltered accommodations offering regular drop-in support sessions.

Digipals has been very popular and allows older Wandsworth residents to seek support in any aspect of using a digital device, be it their own or the library computer. Programs like Digipals helps older adults to engage and learn how to get online so they can future proof themselves in this digital world.

Find out more about Age UK London’s Mind the Digital Gap campaign here.