Charities and voluntary organisations in Medway are being encouraged to apply for funding to help them improve the lives, and wellbeing, of elderly residents.
Charities, community groups and voluntary organisations who support older residents can apply for up to £5,000 from the new Better Connected Digital Inclusion Grant to improve their online services for older residents - applications close on Monday, 20 June.
Our Better Connected service helps residents aged 65 and above, who may be socially isolated, reconnect with their community.
The Better Connected service has already helped more than 100 residents in Medway, including Shirley.
Build confidence and explore social networks
After Shirley’s daughter went back to work following the coronavirus lockdowns, Shirley started to feel lonely and wanted to get more involved in her community. Better Connected helped her find local groups to meet new people and make new friends.
Shirley, 88, said: “The programme has given me more insight into the local services and groups that are available to me. It has also helped build my confidence to explore these social networks. I enjoyed my regular chats over the phone with my link worker and interacting with the friendly and welcoming people at Strood Community Project.”
The Better Connected Digital Inclusion Fund will provide organisations with the tools to start, or upgrade, their digital services. Organisations will be able to upgrade their equipment, upskill their staff and volunteers to offer online services, and train those in the community, who want to improve their own digital skills.
Help residents connect with local communities
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adults’ Services, including Public Health, said: “It is great news that charities and organisations can now apply for the Better Connected Digital Inclusion Grant to help older, and socially isolated, residents connect with their local communities. I am pleased that our Better Connected service has helped more than 100 residents. I would encourage local organisations to find out more and apply for the grant.”
Find out more about the grant.