Older people in rural Braintree
The InfoLink
network is a multi-agency system
co-ordinating information on local health and social care services for older people in rural areas of
Braintree. Council staff visit clients in their homes and provide
information about the services that are available to them via handheld computers and
broadband wireless technology. There is also a public web site and seven kiosks, so the
local community can gain access the information.
The programme has enabled professionals to respond to
enquiries at the point of need. They can now refer
to a range of information in their clients’ homes and download forms and
leaflets on site. So
far, more than 9,500 people have benefited from this service.
Car
pooling in Norfolk
Liftshare.com, an internet based car pooling company
from Attleborough, Norfolk (www.liftshare.com) uses technology to link
passengers and drivers together, reducing congestion on the roads. Launched in September 2000, it now operates six
community websites and one call centre, enabling non-internet users to benefit from the
network.
The company now has more than 25,000 members, and has already logged one million journeys for 2002. To use the service members
simply have to log on the site, input their destination details and then Liftshare.com
will display a list of fellow travellers who are offering lifts.
IT training in the community
 Lichfield Council’s innovative programme www.lichfielddc.gov.uk uses technology to engage
local groups of disadvantaged residents in the community. It has set up IT training centres where residents can
benefit from learning valuable skills in a supportive environment.
There are currently eight local community groups in the
programme, with more than 150 residents attending each week aged
from 16 up to 93 years old. The
groups’ members are now making new and renewed contact with their families and
friends overseas, and many are taking up new internet based hobbies such
as geneology.
If you want to nominate any scheme
for 2003 for the eWell-Being Awards visit: www.sustainit.org
To view previous articles - see the laterlife-interest index page
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