What’s this service all about?
After losing her husband in 2023, Marina was experiencing bereavement, loneliness and isolation. Local healthcare providers recognised that improving her digital skills could help her regain confidence, stay connected with others and become more independent. They referred her to the National Lottery funded digital support service at The Old Fire Station.
Working with services at The Old Fire Station is an example of the Neighbourhood Health approach across West Yorkshire. The NHS, councils, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and other partners are working together to deliver more joined-up, personalised care that helps people stay healthy, independent and connected to their communities.
Marina was keen to learn and understood that stronger digital skills would make everyday life easier. She first attended one of the digital drop-in sessions, but it quickly became clear that one-to-one support would better meet her needs.
Because Marina already owned a smartphone and computer, the sessions focused on practical skills she could use straight away. Weekly one-hour appointments gave her dedicated time to ask questions, solve problems and build confidence at her own pace. Between sessions, Marina kept a note of new questions and topics she wanted to explore, helping each appointment build on the last.
Chris Bamber, supporting Marina, said:
“Everyone learns differently. One-to-one sessions give people the time and space to build confidence without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
We focus on the things that matter most to them, so every session has a practical benefit they can use in everyday life.”
What difference has it made?
The personalised support has transformed the way Marina manages everyday tasks. She now uses online banking, making it easier to manage her finances as local bank branches have closed. She shops online with confidence and uses loyalty cards to access offers and rewards, helping her make the most of her budget.
Learning to use maps online has also increased her confidence when travelling to local events. As a result, she spends more time outside the home, supporting both her wellbeing and quality of life.
As she prepares to sell the house she shared with her husband, Marina is using digital tools to search for suitable flats online. She also keeps in regular contact with family in the United States through text messages and video calls, helping her stay connected despite the distance.
Chris said:
“Digital skills are about much more than technology. They're about giving people the confidence to do everyday things independently, whether that's managing money, travelling somewhere new or staying in touch with loved ones.”
What do people think about it?
The weekly sessions have provided much more than practical support. Having a regular reason to leave the house, meet with someone and learn something new has helped Marina rebuild her confidence following bereavement. Week-by-week, she has become more independent while reducing feelings of depression and isolation. Her family has also benefited from more frequent contact and communication.
Marina described the sessions as highly valuable, both practically and emotionally.
“My sessions with Chris are often the highlight of the week. Each time is about learning new ‘tricks’, for example, how to organise files into folders, how to unlock the jammed screen, how to use my mobile as a router; or how to add some apps essential for my everyday life, and learning which to add and which to avoid, and many more ‘tricks’.”
She also reflected on the wider personal impact of the support.
“The impact of these sessions on my life is huge. It’s a way of keeping abreast of life, of fighting isolation and loneliness. Chris helps me build my confidence. He encourages me to believe that I am not a lost cause. I leave the sessions motivated and inspired.”
A personalised approach that changes lives
Marina’s experience demonstrates the lasting value of tailored digital support.
While drop-in sessions remain an important way to help people with quick questions and specific issues, one-to-one support can make a significant difference for people who need more personalised guidance in a quieter environment.
Chris said:
“Success isn't about becoming an expert with technology. It’s about helping people feel confident enough to use digital tools in ways that improve their own lives. Seeing someone grow in confidence week after week is incredibly rewarding.”
As part of the wider Neighbourhood Health approach, this personalised support shows how partners can work together to address the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing. By connecting people with practical support in their communities, Neighbourhood Health is helping reduce inequalities, strengthen independence and enable people to live well for longer.
By combining practical digital learning with personalised support, the digital support service is helping people build confidence, strengthen independence and improve their wellbeing.
You can also read the 'personalised digital support helps Marina reconnect with life after bereavement' case study as a PDF.