Vets close contact courtesy of iPad
Veterans at Erskine have spoken of their joy at being linked up with friends and family with their own iPads.
The online reunion was made possible with funding via the Scottish Government.
Netta Clucas,89, who has been using one of the iPads since February.
And the ex-RAF staffer said:“I’m delighted to have an iPad which has opened a whole new world to me. I’ve joined zoom sessions with Erskine’s Activity Centre members.
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the singing with music going back to 1920s which has been lovely. It is a challenge, but I’ve taken on the challenge and I’m very pleased to have joined the modern age.”
The Erskine charity bagged six expensive iPad devices after a successful application to Connecting Scotland, a government scheme managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Erskine successfully applied for six iPads for Veterans aged over 60 who live in either an Assisted Living Apartment or a cottage on Erskine’s Veterans Village in Bishopton.
Erskine’s Judith Haw said:“All of the residents, four of whom live alone, have shielded throughout the pandemic and were therefore at high risk of both the physical and mental health effects of loneliness and social isolation.
“The iPads have enabled them to connect with family and friends, shop online, access the internet and participate in the zoom sessions offered by our Activities Centre. With sessions including art, music and woodwork classes, genealogy, holistic therapy and all manner of social zooms from afternoon teas to comedy and chat. Having the equipment and internet access ensures they have daily opportunities to remain actively engaged with, and involved in, their community.”
Other veterans have virtually attended pottery or mindfulness classes.