I had never heard of Zoom and wouldn’t have known where to start

Bolton Wanderers Community Trust have been helping hundreds of older members of the Bolton community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, including loaning and training people how to use new technology. 

As part of the Tackling Loneliness Together programme, Community Trust staff have made 1000’s of welfare phone calls to older fans, dropped off packs containing puzzle books, activity books and baking ingredients through garden gate visits, send letters to fans, held weekly get togethers on Zoom, provided free tablet loans and most recently offered 1-1 walks during this newest lockdown period.

One individual that has benefitted from the support offered has been Joyce, who before lockdown was a regular attendee at a number of groups at the stadium including the Trust’s Extra Time Hub and attended Bolton Wanderers matches as part of her routine.

As part of the programme Joyce has been loaned a tablet, attended weekly Zoom get togethers and has recently undertaken 1-1 walks with Trust members of staff. BWCT’s Active Ageing Development Officer Carl Halliwell said,

“Joyce was a little reluctant at first when it came to technology and she took some persuading that she would be able to use the tablet and access Zoom sessions without problem. Joyce now attends three zoom sessions a week with us and is extremely comfortable with the device, she has found many uses including watching her beloved Bolton Wanderers via ifollow. It was a hurdle she overcame herself and this has given her lots to do during lockdown and reduced times of boredom”

Speaking to Joyce about the work that the Community Trust has been doing, she said,

Just want to say thanks for loaning me a tablet. Not having access to computer, I had never heard of Zoom and wouldn’t have known where to start being in touch with other people via this. Boredom is a large part of recent times and now I can actually see other people. Also it has enabled me to watch Bolton games which I have been missing badly!! BWCT has also been great in providing 1-1 walks which get us out into the fresh air and give us exercise. Thanks again and can’t wait till Fitter Fans and Extra Time Hub are back in operation.”