Online group tackles isolation among older people in Edinburgh

An Edinburgh company has launched a free online social club for any older people feeling alone and isolated this Christmas.

Left to right: David Steyn Right and Andrew Fyfe ahead of the online event.

The initiative has been designed by Sovereign Assist in partnership with the charity ACE IT, who provide IT coaching for over 50’s.

It will provide an afternoon of socialisation through Zoom for elderly people who are isolated at home allowing them to enjoy one another's company.

Founder of Sovereign Assist Andrew Fyfe decided to launch the social club after research from Age UK showed that the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6.

Age UK puts the current figure at 1.4 million and this problem is only likely to be exacerbated by lockdown restrictions.

The online social event will take place on Wednesday, 2nd December at 2pm till 3.30pm, and will bring older people across Edinburgh together.

Mr Fyfe said many in this group will have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.many of whom rely on family and friends in different Tier groups.

Manager of the charity ACE IT Iain Couper who is co-hosting this event said “2020 has highlighted that now more than ever, access to the internet is a basic human need. Digital exclusion is damaging, particularly to both older and vulnerable people.”

Mr Fyfe hopes the event will allow anyone who is facing isolation to join in. He said: “I know Zoom isn’t necessarily accessible for everyone, so if it’s easier to contact us by phone we can be reached on 020 369 57557.”

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