Who we are
Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering (Age UK RBH) exists to promote the wellbeing of older people living in the three Boroughs. We have over 26 years’ experience of reaching and meeting the needs of local older people providing person centred, quality assured services. These include Falls Prevention, Advice and Information, Dementia Support, Care Navigation (helping older people navigate the difficulties they may experience in hospital and elsewhere), Help at Home (including Personal Care), Befriending (including phone support) and an Activity Centre.
The increase in need for support
We have seen a 40% increase in older people contacting us for support during the last year due to the pandemic and know that with more older people being required to shield, it is impossible for us to reach and support all those contacting us one-to-one.
How we want to improve our reach to older people
SPARKO Virtual Retirement Community, a new British tech company endorsed by several Age UK organisations, is a simple yet innovative platform for age sector charities to connect with members, communicating with them directly to deliver interactive activity programmes and services – all through their home television set.
A box connected to the television provides users with unlimited communication via video chat and entertainment whilst enabling charities’ local community coordinators to provide social and technical support, help at home, volunteer activity coordination and high levels of safety and security.
This software will have a direct effect on older people making contact with the outside world. Many who will benefit from this have not seen family or friends for much of 2020 due to the need to shield.
Any funds will be gratefully received and allow Age UK RBH to continue to roll out this technology in the homes of more older people in the three boroughs.