A couple with long-term health conditions who have been shielding during the lockdown were finally able to spend some virtual time with their loved ones thanks to the Dorset Digital Hotline.

Arthur and Daniel Brown moved into sheltered accommodation in Wareham just before the lockdown was announced and were unable to move their broadband connection with them. That meant that they were trapped inside without any access to the outside world.

That was until the Dorset Digital Hotline were called and installed a new broadband package for them so they could reconnect with their friends and family.

Arthur, 60, said: "We were on our own for 10 weeks in all. We have always been loathed to go digital but our motivations changed during lockdown. It became crystal clear that all essential services and human contact relied on us getting broadband and video conferencing.

"We have just been to a wonderful party on Zoom to celebrate our god daughter’s baby shower – this time a worldwide event! We met up with friends from the top to the bottom of the UK, in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, France, America, across Europe, Dubai… simply utterly wonderful.

"Without the Dorset Digital Hotline none of it would have been possible – just all round fantastic. If it wasn’t for this support none of this would have been possible, we just want to give everyone concerned a big ‘thank you’ it truly has changed our lives forever.”

Daniel, 58, added: "The BT Basic Broadband package is available for people on lower incomes. It was installed midweek and last Sunday we were invited to a 70th digital birthday party on Zoom. There were multiple screens so we could catch up with lots of people, many we hadn't seen for years, and all party together.

"It was wonderful. Anyone who needs IT or digital support should get in touch with the hotline now, we thoroughly recommend it."

Arthur and Daniel's gratitude to the Dorset Digital Hotline coincides with Let's Talk Loneliness Week, where people and organisations join together to raise awareness of loneliness. This year is especially important, with many people shielding and isolating away from friends and family.

Councillor Gary Suttle, Dorset Council cabinet lead for skills, said: "Without broadband or digital skills it must be incredibly difficult to shield. During the COVID lockdown, people without broadband have effectively been shut off. I am delighted we have been able to work as a team to find a good all-round solution for this couple."

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