Health and social care charity Alternative Futures Group (AFG) and social enterprise Starting Point Stockport are inviting residents to try the latest technology designed to boost wellbeing and improve their digital skills at an event for Get Online Week.
The event, which took place at the new Age UK Hub on the 17th October in Stockport included a tech experience with VR headsets, robotic pets, Fitbits, and a range of smart devices.
There was also be a demonstration of new online learning platform ‘Learn Worlds’, which has a range of useful information for Stockport residents on how to do things online and support others to develop their digital skills, with user guides, session plans, digital inclusion quizzes and more.
Alternative Futures Group supports nearly 900 individuals across the northwest to live more independent lives. As part of the day, people supported by the charity who have had life-changing experiences using technology will talk about the positive impact of technology.
Andrew Kendall, Chief Commercial Officer at AFG said: “At AFG we believe the right technology can help improve the lives of people with a learning disability or a mental health condition.
“Nothing can replace the human relationships that are at the heart of good care and support, but technology used smartly in a person-centred way can widen possibilities and enhance independence.”
Starting Point are a social enterprise based in Woodley focusing on supporting residents with digital inclusion. The organisation provides free informal digital skills training, free sim cards with data via the national databank and loan digital devices free of charge to support residents to get online.
Mike Howard, Head of Online Learning at Starting Point said:
‘We are really looking forward to working with AFG on this event for Get Online Week. It’s great to see other organisations working to support digital inclusion in Stockport, especially for people with disabilities. Some of our learners have learning disabilities, so it will be great for us for find out more about ways in which we might be able offer more accessible support. We are looking forward to working with AFG moving forwards and improving access and support for people with disabilities in Stockport.’
Photo caption:
NW based health and social care charity, AFG, and social enterprise Starting Point Stockport helps local residents boost wellbeing and improve digital skills as part of Stockport Get Online Week
