Connect Up is a new project from Good Things Foundation, funded by the Scheinberg Relief Fund, to tackle loneliness and social isolation in older people.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes for everyone. Lockdown meant that many people experienced real social isolation for the first time, and struggled to make contact with friends and family through a lack of digital means or skills. But for many others, lockdown simply highlighted the digital exclusion and social isolation that already existed.
As we go forward we need to ensure that everyone can benefit from digital connections. That’s why we’re working with Scheinberg Relief Fund to create Connect Up.
Connect Up will reach 17,500 older people who have been digitally and socially excluded during the pandemic and equip them with the skills needed to make and maintain meaningful connections with others.
Good Things will also be setting up a specialist community of practice for organisations around the UK who provide, or plan to provide, digital inclusion support to older people. Together we’ll co-design and test new ways to support older people to learn new digital skills.
As part of the Connect Up Community, organisations can access (for free):
Join up
Already part of the Online Centres Network? Join the Community of Practice here.
Interested in joining the Community of Practice but not yet part of the Online Centres Network? Get in touch with us to find out more community@goodthingsfoundation.org
Events
Scams Awareness Training
Thursday 10th Feb, 1pm
Community Meetup
Digital Health - How can we make sure older people aren’t excluded?
Monday 21st Feb, 1pm
Workshop: Creating Resources for Older Learners - Vick Virdee from ACDA
Tuesday 22nd Mar, 10am
Community Meetup
Tuesday 29th Mar, 1pm
Workshop: The Dos and Don’ts of Digital Drop Ins - Chris from Computer Friendly
Tuesday 12th April, 10am
Workshop: Digital Skills for Older Learners with English language needs - Yasmin from GO-Woman Alliance
Tuesday 26th April, 10am
No meetup
Workshops: Playlists: a form of engagement and respite - Emma from Age Connects Torfaen
Monday 9th May, 9:30am
Community Meetup
Thursday 26th May, 11am
Connect Up workshop - outreach digital support for older people
23rd May, 11am
Workshop: Making Digital Fun for the Over 50s - Cristina from HMR Circle
Monday 6th June, 11am
Community Meetup
Friday 24th June, 12pm
Connect Up workshop: supporting people who live with dementia to use digital
20th June, 10am.
Workshop: Less is More - Using the Essential Digital Skills Framework with Older Learners - Friday from Reaching People
Thursday 7th July, 10:30am
Community Meetup
Monday 18th July, 12pm