Bromsgrove man with learning difficulties struggling with lockdown is helped by modern technolgy - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove man with learning difficulties struggling with lockdown is helped by modern technolgy

Bromsgrove Editorial 16th May, 2020   0

A BROMSGROVE man who lives in supported living accommodation and has struggled with being isolated in his flat and missing his family has adapted to the lockdown conditions, thanks to modern technology.

Although he has learning disabilities, Nicholas lives in his own place, with the help of MacIntyre Supported Living Team, commissioned by Worcestershire County Council.

He is normally very sociable, has volunteered in a hospice for 15 years and loves gardening.




He has regular visits from his parents who are very supportive and enjoys meeting up with his friends and colleagues.

Nicholas’s support worker, Jade Parker realised Nicholas wasn’t coping very well having to stay at home.


His brother sent him an iPad and helped him install WiFi.

Together with some simple step by step instructions, Nicholas was able to learn how to make and take a video call.

Jade, who works for McIntyre said: “The first call was a success and very emotional.

“Nicholas was able to have virtual contact with his parents.

“We could see him starting to relax knowing he could still see his mum and dad, who he missed dearly.

“I am so proud of Nicholas learning a new skill during this difficult time.”

He celebrated his 52nd birthday and showed off his new skills with group video calls to his parents and support team.

Jade said they all sang happy birthday to him and ate cake – apart but together.

Over the last few months Jade has been working with Nikki Stearman from Worcestershire County Council’s adult learning team and realised there could be a course Nicholas could access using the technology and his new skills.

Nikki said: “We’ve had to change our approach to delivering courses and learning during the lockdown.

“This has meant switching to using online packages such as Zoom.

“What we now realise is this can help lots of people who don’t normally access our courses like Nicholas.

“Our courses take place over a week, at the same time each day.

“They can help tackle isolation and loneliness by offering a sociable place for people to meet as well as learning new skills, such as learning to draw, speaking a different language or even ‘how to apply for a job online, all in a safe way.”

Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care Adrian Hardman added: “This virus has presented many challenges for people especially those with learning disabilities, but with support they have risen to that challenge and experienced some huge strides forward.

“This is also a fantastic example of where our council services can work together to provide a really positive outcome.

“I hope going forward more people with learning disabilities will be able to access courses from our adult learning team and stay connected.”

These new skills have made a huge difference to Nicholas’s wellbeing.

He is keen to keep learning and looking forward to learning how to use different platforms to connect with even more of his friends in the future.

Visit worcestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus for more on the help Worcestershire County Council is offering during the Coronavirus pandemic.

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