A Nottingham woman in her late 70s, June, is feeling more confident and connected thanks to the support of Self Help UK. Referred by Nottingham University Hospital’s Prehabilitation service, June was apprehensive about her upcoming hospital stay and worried about losing touch with friends and family. As part of her Care Plan, Sam, her Prehab Link Worker at Self Help UK, identified that June found using technology difficult, preferring to avoid it wherever possible.
Together they discussed June’s concerns and explored ways to overcome this barrier. This would ensure June could stay in touch during her hospital stay and into the future. Sam reassured June that becoming familiar with using a mobile phone takes a bit of practice.
Sam introduced June to Self Help UK’s digital skills drop-in sessions, for 1-2-1 support with using her mobile. June came to the next session with her husband, where she learned the basics of using her mobile phone. She added her Link Worker as a contact, and with step-by-step guidance, she mastered making calls, sending text messages, and even sharing pictures.
With her newfound confidence, June has been able to stay in touch with her Link Worker and loved ones more easily, reducing her feelings of loneliness and boosting her self-esteem. June has been sending and responding to texts with her Link Worker, to keep up her skills and says she has been sending and receiving texts and calls with a good friend – something she previously struggled with. As she prepares for her operation and follow-up treatment, June is grateful for the support she has received from Self Help UK.
June’s experience highlights the importance of accessible digital skills training in enhancing the well-being and self-esteem of older adults, demonstrating the profound impact of Self Help UK’s initiatives. The NHS framework highlights the need to support groups at higher risk of digital exclusion, such as older adults. With initiatives like this, it empowers citizens like June with the necessary digital skills.