Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the people who have borne the brunt of the isolation we have experienced generally came from the most vulnerable in society.
Vulnerable because of their financial, health or any other social circumstance you can think of.
The stay-at-home message was required because we needed to get on top of the virus, however, the mental health of the most vulnerable was another casualty in the war against Covid-19.
In Stepping Stones we noticed not everyone we supported had the means to access technology, or support to use the technology that would keep them connected – albeit remotely.
We were fortunate to see our service members face-to-face throughout the pandemic although, inevitably, our thriving group programme was decimated.
Consequently, we have been able to secure funding from Cellnex, through the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, and have launched our first digital support service.
Our Digital Stepping Stones project is now ready to support our service members access technology with the support of Stepping Stones’ very own digital champions.
David, one of our service member has been working with us to complete the process and we are delighted we are now ready to #moveforwardwithhope.
While talking with David he said: “This project will help me a lot.
“It will help reduce isolation and the disconnection I felt when unable to get online.
“I regularly used various locations to access IT and Internet, this was not available during lockdown and limited my interaction with others.
“This can help me stay connected to others by attending group on Zoom and finding out about other things I am interested in like music, railways and self-help tools which I have heard are plentiful online.
“My skills are a bit rusty but looking forward to getting a bit of guidance and support for this”
Our service members, who have already registered for this service will be contacted over the next few weeks to get started.
We are looking forward to playing a role in supporting the people who use our services get connected move and forward with hope!
Elaine McWilliams – Group Development Worker
John White – Operations Director