Tackling digital isolation in Wandsworth - 3 years of 'Digipals'

The joy of connecting with friends, family and the wider world via computers and mobiles is well known, but for many older people, the digital world can be a major source of anxiety and frustration. To tackle this digital isolation, Age UK Wandsworth established 'Digipals', a free service, which offers friendly and patient support to build confidence and basic skills.

The pilot project was started in 2018 at four local libraries and was developed by Emma Chisholm, Community and Wellbeing Lead at Age UK Wandsworth.

Emma says “Whilst there were computer courses available locally, many of our clients were anxious about keeping up, so either dropped out or never got started”

“From the pilot, word quickly spread, and we started offering sessions in sheltered accommodation and at our office in addition to the libraries”

“Digipals is now three years old, and we are delighted with what we have been able to achieve. Over 290 older Wandsworth residents have received more than 1000 support sessions in eight locations around the borough”.

The arrival of Covid 19 in 2020 brought the Digipals sessions to an abrupt halt at the very time the skills were most needed for people to stay connected and to order and buy their regular shopping.

“Initially we focused our attention on securing food and getting it delivered to literally thousands of vulnerable people in the community.  Once things calmed down a little Digipals launched ‘Independent Shopper’, which helped numerous older residents get set up with online shopping”.

“However, the independent shopper project highlighted the many barriers some older people face to get online. In addition to lacking confidence, some older people don’t have access to a device or have WiFi connectivity to make it work! In response to this need we applied for funding from Wandsworth Borough Council and we were delighted to be successful. Our new funding has allowed the Digipals service to deploy 35 loan devices, provide 4G connectivity, and three remote support sessions for those in need of help. At the end of the loan period, clients are encouraged to invest themselves whilst continuing to receive support from the Digipals. Over 30 clients have been through the programme and half of them are now up and running with their own devices and connections”.

And there is more good news on the horizon. Age UK Wandsworth has recently won the management contract for the Day Centre on East Hill which will provide even more opportunities to help older residents get connected.

We are celebrating Digipals third birthday this month and are now looking forward to many more older people getting online, getting connected with their loved ones and being able to lead more independent lives.

For more information visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/wandsworth/our-services/digipals/

If you are friendly, patient and digitally literate, we would love more volunteers on this service. Please contact rebecca.lothian@ageukwandsworth.org.uk