NICHE FEATURE
Kazzoo in the Community: tech lessons for the isolated An IT company is teaching people how to use their computers and mobile phones WORDS BY KERRY SMITH
T
he initiative that teaches those who find it difficult to communicate with friends and family to use technology helping them stay connected, launched on September 1. ‘Kazzoo in the Community’ aims to benefit the elderly, disabled, or people who just aren’t confident with technology and may have experienced loneliness during lockdown. Kazzoo IT will be providing 90 minutes of one-to-one IT lessons and general tech support to those who would benefit from being able to use technology to prevent loneliness or simply to deal with the new digital age. Chris Cain, who owns Kazzoo IT, said: “It’s for people who are isolated or on their own with no friendship group, for grandparents who have people they’d love to speak to, and anyone who is frightened of technology and doesn’t know how to use it. “We want to enable them
to search the internet, do their shopping online, and talk to their family and friends on a tablet, phone or computer because that interaction could make their day and improve their wellbeing.” A professional, DBS-checked Kazzoo IT expert will visit the homes of those who have made an appointment. Social distancing will be adhered to and PPE will be in place at all times. When the lesson is over, they’ll be invited to free bi-weekly video get-togethers along with all other users of Kazzoo in the Community. Chris hopes the service users will be introduced to a variety of new people and reduce feelings of loneliness. The scheme will be charged at £60 to cover business costs, and £5 will be donated to Focus, a charity that inspires young people aged 13 to 25 to make positive changes in their lives. Kazzoo in the Community will run on a trial period from September to December, with a
IT’S FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE ISOLATED OR ON THEIR OWN WITH NO FRIENDSHIP GROUP, FOR GRANDPARENTS WHO HAVE PEOPLE THEY’D LOVE TO SPEAK TO
view to continue in the future. “If this takes off, I will be able to take on Focus beneficiaries to carry out the IT lessons and support after we train them. Even if it’s just them being able to learn in our offices, speak to people, or host one of the video meetings, they’ll be a part of it and it will be great on their CV. “Some of these young people are from vulnerable families and they might not have any IT access, or know how to use it. Having this opportunity will build their confidence and they can then go out and train others too. “I like helping out the community because they’ll help you out in the future hopefully. There’s not really a financial incentive for us. We’re giving back because we can and we want to!” If you or someone you know would benefit from a tech lesson, email Chris Cain on community@kazzoo.com or call 0116 4979842. NICHE | 47