Deaf woman from Norfolk says project made 'life worth living'

72-year-old Tessa says technology has helped become less isolated

A deaf woman from west Norfolk says a project to tackle digital isolation has changed her life.

Tessa, 72, had been writing notes on a whiteboard to communicate with her husband.

But after she was given a smartphone by the Tech Skills for Life project, she is now able to use an app which transcribes what people are saying.

Tessa, who lives in King's Lynn, said: "This is my new ears. It's absolutely brilliant."

The Tech Skills for Life scheme was set up by Norfolk County Council last July.

It works with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, the NHS and a range of volunteer groups to make sure everybody can use technology and access online services.

"I've lost the isolation," Tessa said. "My life is a lot better. It's worth living."

Gail Harvey set up the Tech Skills for Life project in west Norfolk

Listen: Norfolk project helps people get online

Gail Harvey, digital inclusion manager for the county council, came up with the idea of creating the Tech Skills for Life partnership.

She said: "We want people to be able to use technology safely and securely.

"Not just for health and social care, but there is a massive problem with social isolation and loneliness.

"For people to be able to talk to friends and families, to be able to go online and find group is brilliant."

Digital exclusion

West Norfolk was chosen to host the pilot project as it was highlighted as an area in which there was a high level of digital exclusion.

This means people either do not have the technology to go online, cannot afford to access the internet or do not know how to use it.

Staff can provide free laptops, tablets and data to help people who are struggling to get on to the internet.

More than 2,800 people have now been helped so far.

The partnership also offers free advice sessions on using technology and avoiding online scams.

Janie Brister is a community tech coach for the scheme

Janie Brister, a community tech coach for the scheme, said: "Every appointment is different.

"I've helped people on phones, tablets, computers, with tellies. It's just such a broad spectrum of different devices.

"Especially round West Norfolk I think everyone is a bit secluded, we're a bit isolated.

"So it's been really good to see people be able to communicate."