Back To The Floor - Episode 1

You will recall in my blog on the 5th Aug, I promised i would re-connect with the action on the front-line. Well i'm pleased to say that today i spent the morning assisting with the "Big Help" project which is funded by The Big Lottery Fund to reduce social isolation amongst older disabled people.

The session today was for a group of people who wanted to learn about computers (how to logon and use Google). My duties included :

1. Fetching & serving refreshments
2. Making teas/coffees
3. Supporting 2 Visually impaired women in using the internet

Two years ago, we were planning/writing the bid for this project and I recall some people saying they would be interested in learning how to use a computer. It's great experiencing the delivery of the project with the very people who wanted it. It's also a great feeling to know the 2 staff members Charlotte & Amandeep actually get what we're trying to achieve here. A big thank you to both of them for organising this as well as for allowing me to take part.

What's The CEO Learnt?
1. My listening skills were put to the test as i went through memories of two world wars which got me thinking.....Children are taught about the hardships people faced during both wars at school. If there are people who are willing to share their experiences with complete strangers like me, then maybe we can get them in the same room as a classroom full of students? I can almost see the bid for a new project....
2. There is a massive need for investment in activities which are outside the stereotypical view that older people just want to play Bingo or ballroom dance. Disability Direct needs to continue to work with statutory bodies to ensure projects like this become self sufficient. Social isolation will be an issue that affects us all one day and an investment in time/effort/finance today will have a positive effect for this and future generations. One of the members today told me that she had no contact with any family whatsoever. This is a very sad but common scenario. Where "loved ones" have gone off to live their lives elsewhere, there must be strong networks in place to ensure people are not left alone. Warch this space for our continued efforts in this matter.

Agree?   Don't Agree?  Feel free to comment......

Amo