From ‘can’t stand my phone’ to chatting with friends!
Margaret’s in her 70’s and lives in North Manchester. Before lockdown Margaret wasn’t housebound and was in regular contact with her children so she never felt the need to be be more digital savvy.
When COVID hit Margaret found herself housebound due to her disabilities and she became increasingly socially isolated. The only time she’s was able to see her children was when her son travelled from Oldham to do her weekly shopping.
Although Margaret had a smartphone, due to the size of her phone and having chronic arthritis she found it difficult to use, she disliked ringing people from it so the only time she communicated with her friends and family is when they rang her. Over the 18 months of lockdown and self isolation Margaret was left feeling down and lonely.
Getting a tablet with the internet has given her a new lease of life and got her back into chatting with friends and family like she used to do.
It’s great to use digital devices like tablets and phones to keep in touch with friends and family
“I won’t feel as lonely now, they’re only one press of a button away”.
Her son set up the tablet for her and got her on Facebook. She's been able to communicate with her friends and videocall her family in Blackpool making her feel more connected.
Now Margaret’s confidence is slowly growing she’s keen to try new things — she’s even attempted to do an online shop over the last few weeks due to her son not being able to visit.
