Carer respite and joy though digital support

Woman showing man something on a laptop screen

Christopher’s story – “I’m over the moon!”

Christopher lives in Brighton with his wife. They both have significant health conditions that mean they are unable to get out and about, and are dependent on carers.

Christopher was referred to Digital Brighton & Hove by his local GP surgery, for digital support, access to a computer and the internet. When we met and spoke to Christopher, he told us “When I had a laptop before, it was the only pleasure I had”.

Thanks to our funders, CAE Technologies, we were able to supply Christopher with a refurbished laptop from Tech-TakeBack and a Mi-Fi unit with a data SIM package, to enable him to connect to the internet.

One of our Digital Champions then visited Christopher at home to deliver his technology and provided one-on-one support to get him familiar and started with using the laptop. Christopher was a quick learner and before log, he was watching videos of a commemorative event he had attended in the past. This enabled Christopher to reignite and follow his interests, reconnect with people, and enabled him to have some personal respite for him for caring for his wife. Christopher was delighted and told us:

“Thank you, I am over the moon! When I am awake at three am in the morning, this will give me something to do that won’t disturb my wife. When I wake up, I will think I am in paradise”

The Digital Brighton & Hove offer

Support for individuals

  • Freephone digital skills helpline
  • Tailored 1-2-1 and group support from trained Digital Champions
  • Access to computers and other digital devices

To request digital support in Brighton & Hove please complete our online referral form here, phone our Freephone Digital Support Helpline on 0808 196 5885 or text 07575 977345

If you would like to find out more about our work on the Digital Brighton & Hove project email us on DigitalBH@citizensonline.org.uk