GetConnected
Anchor Hanover’s Get Connected programme provides support and guidance for people living and working with us on all things digital.
We want to help improve confidence and increase access to the digital world to ensure residents and colleagues benefit from everything the internet has to offer them.
Please be aware that we are in process of relaunching Get Connected and looking at safe ways of delivery during COVID-19. In the meantime there are a wealth of great free resources you can access through the websites below.
Digital Unite
Digital Unite offers a wide range of easy-to-use, learning guides about using modern technology for free.
See the Getting Started Guides here
See the Technology Guides here
AbilityNet
AbilityNet provides free IT support to help older people and people with disabilities to use technology to achieve their goals. They have a network of friendly volunteers who can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones.
Website: https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home
Freephone: 0800 048 7642
AgeUK
Age UK provide step by step guides for people who have access to internet already but need some support around; staying safe online, making devices easier to use, how to download apps, video calling, WhatsApp groups, online banking and shopping to name a few.
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/
Tel: 0800 678 1602
Already have a device, but not sure where to start?
If you already have a device with access to the internet, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, but you’re not quite sure where to start, we have a few ideas you might want to try that involve connecting with others during these unprecedented times, in a COVID-19 safe way.
Remember that you can also ask for help from family or friends who may regularly use this technology, but below are some tips and extra information about some ways in which to start your digital journey.
Staying in touch with people can be easy on the internet. You can contact people from anywhere in the world via written emails, or with a microphone and camera (that is inbuilt in most devices), you can make phone or video calls online. It’s also a great way to share pictures or information if you are part of a specialist club or interest group.
WhatsApp is a free to use App on your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can use it to send messages, images, photos and videos, as well as make voice and video calls via an internet connection. It allows you to set up group chats with more than one person, which is great for talking to lots of family or friends at once.
Why not consider setting up a group chat for your scheme/family/friends/specialist interest groups
Facebook Messenger
This is a free to use App on your laptop, smartphone or tablet when you sign up to Facebook. You can use it to send messages to your Facebook contacts and make voice and video calls via an internet connection. It also lets you set up group chats with more than one person, which is great for talking to lots of family or friends at once.
Why not consider setting up a group chat for your scheme. Or holding a virtual coffee morning from the comfort of your home, via a video call.
Skype
This is a free to use software which can be accessed online through the Skype website or as an app on your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can use it to send instant messages, make high definition video or voice calls via and internet connection. It is great for overseas conversations and video calls.
All you need to ensure is that the person you want to talk to also has a Skype account, and then you can add them as a contact and get in touch.
Zoom
Free to use online meeting platform from a computer, tablet or phone. Users can screen share, chat and use interactive features. You can use it to make 1:1 or group video calls and share your screen with those people.
Email is free to use. Never has it been so easy or instant to send a message across the world. You can get your own email account that you can access on any device by logging in. You can email photos and birthday cards to friends and family – wherever they might be.
Virtual assistants
These work using voice commands rather than typing. There are lots of different ‘virtual assistant’ devices like the Amazon Echo and Alexa, or Siri on Apple devices. Using your voice can make using technology much more accessible to everyone.
They are mainly used to answer your voice queries, for example “what is the weather forecast today” or “what are today’s top news stories”. They even offer jokes when asked.
If you connect your family and friends’ contact numbers to your accounts, you can then simply ask these devices to call them or send them messages.
Internet security
The organisations and websites below have some useful tips and advice on staying safe online.
Get Safe Online
Offers advice and information for both personal and business users.
Website: www.getsafeonline.org
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Offers advice to stop fraud, giving tips and advice in short, easy to understand, written material and videos. The advice covers phone scams, text message scams, email and online scams.
Website: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk
Creating a strong password?
Website: www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/passwords