RHA – Get Connected
During the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020 our vulnerable community members who were shielding were hit the hardest by loneliness or not being able to connect with family and friends. With so many having to close their doors to visitors indefinitely, it meant so they were left isolated and couldn’t see their loved ones. At a time when contact was limited to ensure we all stayed safe then RHA sprang into action to support their tenants and create their Get Connected digital project so they could stay connected with others and become confident online.
Pen y Cymoedd supported RHA with a grant of £10,800 towards their full project costs so they could support their tenants across Rhondda Cynon Taff, to access digital tablets, offer support and learn online skills to help them to show online and help combat isolation. RHA spent time showing their tenants how to use digital options to contact family and friends, one of whom did just this with family from Canada which as you can imagine brought them all to joyful tears. With this project running for 18 months, RHA are ensuring tenants can remain connected when we are being asked to stay apart again at this critical time.
One tenant from Tynewydd has been self-isolating and hasn’t seen their loved ones for some time. They were completely overjoyed when given their tablet, with RHA safely supporting them to make their first WhatsApp call to their son in Swansea. Later that day they were confident enough to make their first independent video call to the team at RHA to tell them how much it meant to them. Since receiving the tablet this tenant has stayed connected with their family which was so vitally important at Christmas time. Plus, they are using online options to enjoy their own personal time like using YouTube to view their favourite film – How Green Is My Valley.
https://www.rhawales.com/community-projects/