PAVS tablet loan scheme, which was launched in September 2020, has been keeping members of the local community connected with family and friends, as well as providing a lifeline to services they may otherwise have not had access to.

Jonathan Evans, the digital coach who helped set up the tablets before they are ready to go out to people, says they have proved invaluable to those that are using them.

“They are available to anyone that needs them, as long as they are registered with a GP surgery in Pembrokeshire. We have seen people access them for children who need a device to use for schoolwork, to young people needing to apply for jobs in the area and pensioners looking to stay connected with loved ones.”

There are currently 130 tablets on loan to members of the community, with 150 being available in total. Jonathan is responsible for purchasing the tablets, cases and SIM cards as well as setting up the Lenovo tablets and adding apps such as Zoom and WhatsApp for the users. He also helps with any troubleshooting guidance and updates which can be done remotely.

The tablets can be loaned for up to two months, although some users have needed them for longer, with the option to purchase the tablet for a reduced price of £80 each. They can be requested through one of the many PAVS Community Connectors across the county, who will then get the process in motion.

Gwyneth Jones is head of the Community Connectors in Pembrokeshire and explains how the tablet loan scheme started.

“When Covid started and we were all told to stay at home and work from home, this directly affected our work as Community Connectors. We soon realised the demand for digital platforms. Many of us had not even heard of Zoom before March 2020. We soon realised how important Digital was for connecting people and realised we needed to address the issue.”

After some additional training, the Community Connectors began assisting people who had access to digital devices, but Gwyneth and her team soon realised the issues of going digital were not just related to skills. Some people couldn’t afford devices to access the services they needed.

“Some people needed these digital devices to access information on benefits, for job searches or just to connect with families who they were estranged from.”

The Community Connectors team began to upskill in order to help those that most needed it.

“The surge of need for digital meant lots of quick thinking and finding a way to change the way we deliver services. Not just for us, but for many other people and organisations.”

Digital community Wales assisted the PAVS Community Connectors and they carried out some research about similar services available and what assistance they could offer.

“After doing our own market research and receiving feedback from people we learnt that a certain screen size was needed. We also knew that Delta Wellbeing provide a digital programme and wanted to compliment their project. To reach people that may not be eligible for Delta.”

Thanks to funding from GP clusters North and South, and the assistance of Jon as digital support, the tablet loan scheme was launched in September 2020.

Gwyneth notes the direct link between the project and health and well being.

“By linking in with GP surgeries we can offer facilities such as digital consultations with GPs, ordering repeat prescriptions online and access to other health and wellbeing services. It’s a health initiative, promoting anything Hywel Dda develops and offer to patients in the area, such as digital packages and apps.”

PAVS also had a pilot use of Alexa and its benefits and Gwyneth mentions a very uplifting story.

“A lady who has the start of dementia had an Alexa and she said to the device ‘I would like to have a friend’. Alexa replied, ‘I’ll be your friend’. Stories like this really do bring a tear to your eye, but show how technology can help people.”

Of course, there is the issue of keeping the community safe online, and it’s something Gwyneth is keen to observe.

“We try to educate people and to keep them safe online. We have family members who don’t want their loved ones having access to email or the internet for fear of security issues.

The tablet loan scheme users have access to the Community Connectors, so they can ring them at any time for advice. We also promote the use of apps within a tablet as this can be a safer way of doing things. There are also lots of activities they can use the tablet for. “

Gwyneth says another positive is that it’s brought new partnerships with other organisations, such as Pembrokeshire Digital Connections, Hywel Dda health board, digital communities Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council.

“We’ve worked with the Citizens Advice Bureau on a project called Partners for the Journey. Third sector organisations in Pembrokeshire have really adapted projects to support the surge in demand. It’s all about assisting people as much as we can. The tablet loan scheme has brought digital into people’s homes. We sit on a steering group and a providers’ forum and hope to develop digital services to meet future need. We want to expand the service and keep funding it.

It’s another way of connecting with people. We’re mindful it’s not for everyone, but it’s another element for consideration. Some of the stories we have collected show that people are being listened to and supported by organisations. It’s a true reflection of how we can help and support people.”

So far, figures from user surveys have reported the positive impact the scheme is having on its participants.

• 45% of users were officially self-isolating at some point during the tablet loan
• 95% of users felt less lonely after being provided with a tablet
• 90% used the tablet to help them connect with family
• 86% used the tablet to help them connect with friends
• 75% have discovered new interests
• 100% feel less isolated

Richard from North Pembrokeshire said:
“I love using the tablet and am now on it every day. I have found a football management game that I enjoy. I have signed up to Facebook and have connected with family and friends where I used to live. Last week, I spoke to my sister in Tennessee via video call and I hadn’t seen her for over 40 years. I am now in touch with all of my siblings.”

The PAVS tablet loan scheme has been entered into the UK Digital Award and has been shortlisted for the Tech 4 Good category. Jonathan and Gwyneth also took part in a webinar for the National Digital Leaders Week in June, a free event with daily webinars on everything from government run companies to small IT businesses such as Jon’s, demonstrating the PAVS tablet loan scheme. Jon says:

“We have had lots of interest from other counties about the scheme and how we run it. There’s definitely potential for more.”

Gwyneth adds:

“I’m very proud of our team. It’s been a real team effort. We’ve worked really hard and it’s not been easy. Some of these people have never switched a computer on – it’s taken a lot of patience. It’s been good. We’re excited to see where the future takes us.”

To find out more and get involved with the scheme visit PAVS Tablet Loan scheme…

communityconnectors@pavs.org.uk

01437 769422    07595 192932