WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, Zoom – it’s safe to say video calling platforms are now the new ‘face to face’ normal for keeping in touch with friends, family and support networks. But for those who don’t have the confidence or support to start using such technology, it can be a daunting task to begin to tackle.

Angela aged 75 from Old Basford, Nottingham was an active member and participant to various groups in Nottinghamshire, from her monthly Stoma Support Group to the local Carers Council to name but a few. Like so many others, these networks all moved to virtual meetings in order to keep its visitors safe during the outbreak of COVID-19.

“I’d um’d and ar’d about registering for the support session. Having been in lockdown for so long, I thought this might help give me confidence to maybe join a group meeting if I wanted to”.

Regularly receiving invites to attend the virtual meetings in order to keep connected with these groups, Angela told us she had struggled with taking the next step “I could never join them because I just didn’t know how to, having tried several times, I’d get myself into a terrible pickle over it. So I gathered it wasn’t meant to be”. That was until she heard about a local ‘Learn how to use the online platform, Zoom’ Session being held by NHS Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Clinical Commissioning Group and Get Nottinghamshire Connected. The session was aimed at supporting beginners in learning the basics from muting the microphone to switching on the video camera, raising a hand and using the chat box.

The Get Nottinghamshire Connected, Digital Support Line was there every step of the way from helping people download the Zoom app on their laptop or tablet device to talking individuals through the joining process. Angela was one of the participants to give the telephone line a call beforehand; she’d said, “Before the session I was feeling apprehensive, I wanted to make sure I got into the call okay.” Whilst Angela successfully joined the Zoom call and learnt about its features, she wanted to get a little more advice about some of the functions.

Get Nottinghamshire Connected supported Angela through a 1 to 1 session – guiding her through what each feature was and how to use it until she felt confident “you’ve been really helpful and given me so many hints and tips (must remember to move mouse to get toolbar). I felt totally reassured and wasn’t made to feel silly – talking though each bit gave me confidence to be able to do it now.”

With her newfound confidence and aid from the ‘Learn how to use the online platform, Zoom’ hand out, Angela’s now looking forwarding to joining her Stoma Support Meeting in the next few weeks.

Angela, Aged 75 and Support from Get Nottinghamshire Connected

“My 1 to 1 Zoom session with Get Nottinghamshire Connected was so helpful – icing on the cake”

If you’re looking for some support in staying connected, why not give the Get Nottinghamshire Connected support line a call on 0115 883 8873, open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.