For the last four months Plymouth Community Home residents have been taking part in a pilot project called Community Connections, developed by the University of Plymouth in partnership with Cisco.
The idea is straightforward – to test whether a simple web-based app could act as a kind of ‘virtual village hall,’ helping older people to connect with local activities from home.
The project has been co-designed with residents and local organisations, such as Food is Fun, Colourful Horizons, and The Box Museum. Online activities have ranged from cooking and crafts to exercise, art and history sessions.
Feedback so far has been encouraging. One woman in her 50s, who is housebound, said
“I’m housebound and knowing there are things to do on the Community Connections app is giving me a reason to get up and do something in the week. I wish more people would try it – it’s been really helpful.”
Another participant shared how the art sessions have become a meaningful outlet:
“I’ve not always been in a great headspace, so I’ve been missing some of the groups I’ve really wanted to go to. Still, I have been really getting into the Art Sessions.
“Yesterday, I was on my own and feeling really low, so I got out my art pack, which I use in my weekly group on Community Connections and just drew for two hours. It helped me feel much better.”
The pilot is demonstrating that technology, when kept simple and local, can help overcome some of the barriers to connecting with others. It’s not about replacing face-to-face activities, but about giving people another option when getting out is difficult.
The team behind the app is now moving into the final months of the pilot, with plans for more activities, including live tours from around the world, talks, and even online murder mysteries.
Contact Kieran Green at Kieran.green@plymouth.ac.uk for more information.
