With the support of the National Lottery Community Fund and The Department for Media, Culture and Sports we have partnered with KOMP–Pro No Isolation, a company who have designed a communication tool created for people who are unfamiliar or unconfident with other digital devices.
This device combines a single button TV–like device with a secure web platform and built–in wifi that allows visual and verbal communication and messaging between an isolated individual and their friends, family and carers across the world.
With the pandemic and the need for physical distance restricting most community activities and even family visits, many of our member groups have responded innovatively and creatively to support their local communities.
Member organisations have set up activities online, researching and testing ways to keep our community connected and digitally included. Some of our community, however, are still isolated due to digital exclusion for a number of reasons including a lack of access to the internet or lack of technology skills to use touch screens or smart phones.
We have partnered with four of our member organisations to supply a total of 16 KOMP devices to support older, isolated clients within their own homes to use this simple and effective means of connecting with family, friends, carers and support services.
The Covid–19 crisis has had a profound impact on social isolation and mental health across society. Irish in Britain sees this project as a new opportunity to help equip our member organisations with the means to combat the loneliness and isolation felt by so many who depend on their services.
This is a six–month pilot project that we hope to expand and, where possible, support our members in applications for funding to run their own KOMP projects, working in partnership with the company who designed the device to evaluate results and roll out greater provision nationally.
Barbara from Tyneside is taking part and said, “We are looking forward to being part of your new pilot KOMP project. Many thanks for including us as we’re very keen to find new ways to prevent isolation in our elderly Irish members of the community.”
- If you would like to find out more about our Cuimhne Carers project please click HERE.