Making Friends Thanks To The Rams IT Loan Scheme
Residents from a retirement living development in Derby are making new friends and forming new social groups thanks to Derby County Community Trust’s IT loan scheme
The Community Trust has recently established a partnership with Claremont House, a new retirement living development in the city. Their residents have been welcomed on to a wide range of virtual session run by the Trust thanks to the Rams providing them with the technology.
Many of the residents within the development live alone and socialising has been made more difficult over the past year due to lockdown measures. One of those residents is Lee, who has benefitted from the scheme.
The IT loan scheme offers participants the chance to borrow a tablet for up to 12 weeks, to allow them to get used to the technology, access our vast online timetable and use it to keep in touch with their own families too.
Sam Pritchard, Assistant Court Manager at Claremont House, said:
“Lee took part in the loan tablet scheme as he wanted to feel a part of a group and feel independent. Since joining the Extra Time Hub he has made new friends and been a key part of the group discussions and loves the quizzes. He used to have to be helped by his support worker to access the online sessions but now he logs in by himself with no issues.
“Moving forwards once the loan scheme has finished we will be working with Lee for him to purchase a tablet himself as he has taken so much from and this has had a positive effect on his self-esteem.”
Funded by the National Lottery and Sport England and backed by the EFL Trust the initiative aims to make a positive difference to the lives of semi-retired and retired peopl
Lee added:
“I feel my communications skills have improved and I feel more confident in talking to new people. Luke Wilkinson and Chris Russell run the sessions and they have been fantastic. My favourite part is the quiz, which is written and delivered by Tony who is a volunteer. I have tried a few sessions, but participating in the Extra Time Hub coffee mornings is my favourite.”
Derby County Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub sessions run each Wednesday, continuing online and also returning to Pride Park Stadium for limited numbers of participants.
