Rochdale resident in supported housing has kick-started his life and enrolled onto course, thanks to digital tablet

A Rochdale resident in supported housing has kick-started his life and enrolled on an access course after being given a digital tablet.

Thomas Nelson, 21, lives at Shepherd Court in Rochdale, Riverside’s supported accommodation which provides safe and supportive accommodation for people aged 16 plus who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

He’s been gifted a tablet and Mi-fi unit, which is a portable wireless router that connects the user to the internet via a cellular network.

Thomas said: “It’s brilliant and I never expected to be given the tablet. Since having it I’ve kick-started my life.

“I’ve enrolled and been accepted onto an access course in Natural Sciences which I start in September. I’ll then be able to study a degree after that. My dream is to study astronomy and work in that field, so having the tablet has enabled me to research it and assist me to achieving my goal.

“Like everyone during lockdown I couldn’t socialise with friends so I sat around moping about. Now I have a tablet it has been put to good use - I’m using it as a learning tool, to keep looking for jobs and educational courses to improve myself.

Thomas, who intermittently slept rough before coming to Shepherd Court, added: “It’s certainly changed my life for the better as before I was staying in bed and not getting up until late, but now I’m motivated and want to do something with my life. It’s helped me kick-start my life and get into a routine.”

 

 

Christine Houghton, Riverside’s service manager at Shepherd’s Court, has seen a positive transformation in Thomas. 

She explained: “Gifting the tablet to him has given him a real boost and focus in life, something to aim for. It’s definitely improved his self-esteem and wellbeing.

“It’s unbelievable the change it has had on him - it’s done him a world of good by making him feel more included and has had a significant impact. Hopefully it will continue to motivate him to better places.”

Riverside has purchased £50,000 worth of gadgets and technical equipment so residents in its supported accommodation across the country can stay connected with the outside world.

The digital tablets have either been gifted to people who need them or given to schemes and then loaned to residents. The project is funded by the Riverside Foundation which is the housing association’s charity that helps people overcome obstacles for a better quality of life. 

Andy Cave, Riverside’s Project Officer who is managing the roll-out of equipment to residents, said: “These digital tablets are a lifeline for many of our customers who are in challenging circumstances, so it will enable them to keep in contact with family and friends as well as being able to check their benefit claims, look after finances and do all the other things we take for granted.

“We worked with EE to get the best deal for the equipment and provide an appropriate data package for residents. It is a vital resource to those that haven’t been able to use the communal lounge due to the government’s social distancing measures and as a result haven’t been able to access the scheme’s Wi-Fi.

“We have listened to what our customers have been telling us during lockdown and we believe this gesture will really help those people in greatest need. It will benefit people of from 18 to 86 and from all kinds of backgrounds, but who have one thing in common in that they have been incredibly isolated, frustrated and lonely during these last few months. We hope residents will feel less socially isolated as they will be able to keep in touch with loved ones.”