Connecting with family while shielding: Sheila’s story

Lockdown has represented a challenging time for all of us, but this is particularly true for those like Sheila and her husband who, since the very beginning of the pandemic, were shielding without access to a digital device to keep in contact with their family.

To help her parents combat isolation, Sheila’s daughter bought them an iPad, hoping they could use it to keep in touch with the rest of the family. Upon receiving the iPad, however, Sheila struggled to set it up or use it, finding herself frustrated and cut off from those she loves. It was at this point that she decided to contact her MSP, Gordon MacDonald, looking for digital support.

Collaboration as a key to digital inclusion

After receiving Sheila’s call, Gordon MacDonald’s office contacted Connecting Scotland, a Scottish Government programme set up in response to coronavirus, asking them if they could provide Sheila with the support she needed. From here, Connecting Scotland referred her to People Know How, a partner in the Connecting Scotland programme responsible for operating the national helpline. We do this as part of our Computer Delivery project, which delivers refurbished devices to people across Edinburgh and East Lothian, and provides phone support for set up and use.

It was then our Digital Champion Jack Liddall began to assist Sheila, enquiring about the device she was using and what support she needed. Jack was one of the first at People Know How complete the Digital Champions training provided to us by SCVO, training Digital Champions to tackle social exclusion by supporting the people in our communities to develop essential digital skills.

Sheila and Jack spoke on a series of calls, developing support around setting up and using the iPad. At the end of the telephone sessions she had also learnt how to check her emails, surf the internet and use FaceTime and Zoom to keep in touch with the rest of the family and friends!

Making an impact

Sheila’s story shows how much essential digital skills can change one’s wellbeing and reduce isolation, especially during these hard times.

We’re overjoyed to receive such positive feedback from those we are able to help, and can’t wait to keep working towards digital inclusion.