Befriending charity Visiting Friends has been awarded funding for new technology that will help older people keep in touch with their friends and family.
The KOMP is a one-button computer that looks like a small TV and allows the user to receive messages, pictures and video calls.
Jayne Burnett, manager of the charity which is based in East Clyde Street, Helensburgh, said the funding for the Norwegian invention came from Befriending Networks.
“The magic of the KOMP is that it’s really easy to use – it’s either off, or on and receiving photos etc,” she added.
“There are no complicated passwords or sign-in procedures.
“It’s also extremely safe – friends and family connect with the user of the KOMP via a smartphone app. and only those who are invited to connect with the user can interact with them.
“The user doesn’t necessarily even need wifi in their home as the KOMP is enabled with 4G.”
Visiting Friends client Jim MacDonald has been using KOMP for a month now and is pictured talking to Jayne via the device.
He said: “I’ve been able to connect with my nephew in Norway and it’s great when the pictures of his family come through – I’ve even been able to have video calls with him!
“I’ve also been able to connect with an old friend on it.”
Jim’s nephew John Stuart Ottersen said his mother, Jim’s only sibling, moved to Norway in 1959 and many of Jim’s closest family live near Oslo and Bergen.
John added: “My 82-year old Uncle Jimmy has been stuck in his apartment in Helensburgh for months now.
“In addition to the pandemic, he also has had to battle the effects of various accidents, like when he lately broke his wrist.
“Jimmy always gives a positive and cheerful impression on the phone and when he had his last accident we were really impressed by how friends, neighbours and his Visiting Friends befriender Shirley kept him company and helped him out, while we could only try to keep in touch on the phone.
“When I first heard about the KOMP I wasn’t quite sure what it was, since I hadn’t heard about this kind of device.
“But I installed the app, sent some photos of the family and called my Uncle, who is not used to videotelephony.
“It was great to see him again and since the box on his end should be very easy to use, I’m looking forward to closer contact with Jimmy, and so are my brother and sister!”
If any other of Jim’s friends would like to connect with him via the KOMP, they should get in touch with Visiting Friends on the numbers below.
Jayne said the funding would allow the charity to buy four more KOMPs and many of their clients had relatives and friends who were too far away to visit, something made even worse by lockdown.
Many older people have no access to equipment such as tablets or smart phones, sometimes because of costs.
“Some don’t have the skills or confidence to use it – while there are many older people who have embraced technology, we also know that there are many others who have devices sitting at home that they can’t use!” she added.
“Others may have physical barriers to touch screen technology because of ageing fingers or visual impairment. KOMP solves that problem!
“I love the idea that a family member can instantly share a photograph of a special moment or video call with a loved one and see straight away if they are ok.”
There is already a waiting list for KOMPs but the charity hopes to buy more in the near future.
Jayne added: “Visiting Friends is always looking for new volunteers to provide face to face or telephone befriending – you can guarantee a warm welcome and the chance to be part of a vibrant local charity if you get in touch!”
To fund out more about KOMP, donateto Visiting Friends, volunteering with them or be matched with a befriender, contact Jayne on 0739 6316503, jayne@visitingfriends.org or Debbie on 0739 6316502, debbie@visitingfriends.org .
Leave a Reply