Link Online

Opening doors to digital group activities, services and interests for our Link Friends.

Link Online provides older people with tablet computers and the training needed to connect with friends and family and access a wealth of digital group activities, services and interests.

From family chats on FaceTime and WhatsApp messaging to online food deliveries and banking, being online is more important than ever. But not everyone has access to these tools to support their daily living and well-being at home. Even those with access to this technology may not have access to the necessary platforms, or the skills to use these platforms. There is a divide between those able to access and those excluded from online support.

We are helping lonely and isolated older people who are typically housebound and excluded from these opportunities due to factors such as lack of knowledge, lack of equipment and lack of confidence. We assess everyone to see how we can help, whether that’s from the absolute beginning or whether further support is needed to expand existing knowledge. Our pilot has been highly successful, with clients telling us what a difference ‘being online’ is making to their lives.

*“This is a great idea! It’s something to look forward to and has lifted a cloud for me.*
***I didn’t realise I could use a computer to see and speak to other people.”***

Our pilot project was funded by the National Lottery and we have now received funding from Wokingham Borough Council to work with them to extend this project for a further 12 months.

“Bill, 92, has shown a real interest to learn about his tablet. He is getting a lot of enjoyment searching for classical music via Google and then viewing it on YouTube. This, alone, is a joy to see. He uses the voice command when searching on Google and helped to use Gmail and has been sending and receiving emails.

We have done things together like attach a photo of his dog, Lady, and sent it to one of his daughters who only uses email. We’ve introduced him to Whatsapp too and he has been having fun sending/receiving messages, and has even had a video chat with another of his daughters.”

— Digital volunteer supporting bill

How to make a referral

1. You can refer yourself to our scheme. If you’re a friend, neighbour or a professional working with someone who would benefit from accessing our Link Online project, you can refer but make sure you’ve gained permission first. Please also read through our referral guidelines.

2. Fill in our online referral form and ensure you tick the ‘Coaching and Support to Get Online’ box.

3. A member of our team will be in touch and to arrange an assessment and see if we can help or if we need to refer to one of the partners in the voluntary sector.