John & Link Online
Our Link Online project opens doors to digital group activities, services and interests for our Link Friends like John, who uses his new skills to email and make video calls.
John cannot read or write and has mild learning difficulties and mental health issues. He was feeling incredibly low. His sister is his main point of contact, but she lives some 30 miles away.
When John became a member of the Link Online project, he was given a tablet and assigned a friendly volunteer to support him. Despite not being able to read, he took to the tablet like a duck to water. When his sister received the first email from John, she was overcome with emotion.
Not only do our Link Online volunteers provide technical support but their companionship is an extra benefit of their visits. After a while, with volunteer Jessica’s support, John gained confidence in using the tablet, and the pair spent their time together each week chatting about their interests.
The exception was when John accidentally switched on Talkback and the tablet provided a continuous commentary on what was on display. We popped round and turned the feature off!
At the end of the four-month tablet loan, John decided to buy the tablet at the discounted price offered through the project and Jessica progressively reduced her support.
A year later, John had medical issues and he was able to have video calls with his doctor. When he was in hospital, he used the tablet to stay in contact with his sister.
The tablet and his engagement with Link Online have dramatically improved his mental well-being and we couldn’t be more pleased to be there to support him.
* Names changed to protect anonymity
Volunteer and change someone’s life through friendship
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