Digital Champions team up to provide that ‘extra mile’ service

Since joining the Digital Champions in Housing Network with SCVO, staff at Langstane Housing Association have made a huge effort to advertise the new service being offered, and it has paid off.  We advertised using our social media page and website, issued a press release, featured an article in our 2019 winter newsletter, circulated posters throughout the local area and worked with other support providers in the immediate community, such as the Seaton Star Flat.  Included on our posters is information about our computer stations in our Aberdeen office reception.  Our digital champions are also spreading the word by talking to tenants and customers they are in daily contact with.       

This range of advertisement has helped Langstane tenants, their families and other customers become aware of the extra help and support that we provide, which is evidenced in the story below. 

The call for help!  

Christine contacted us after seeing our article and team photo in the newsletter.  Her son Philip is a one of our tenants who lives independently in Aberdeen City and experiences some mental health issues. His PlayStation and consoles are extremely important, as they allow him to stay in touch with other gamers.  But he was having some internet problems so was without his games.  Mum to the rescue, calling on our Digital Champions for some much needed assistance. 

Our Digital Champions step in 

I called Philip’s mother to confirm what the issues were and she explained that Philip required help with his Wi-Fi, TV and PlayStation as neither of them could get everything working.  We then discussed when would be the best time to all meet at Philip’s flat.   

BILLY, DIGITAL CHAMPION

I met with Philip and his Mum and managed to connect the Wi-Fi, tune the television in then connect it to his PlayStation.  However, I could only get so far with this due to not being an expert with the controls.  So I told them I would call in my colleague and fellow Digital Champion David, and would be back the next day. 

We did indeed visit the next day but unfortunately Philip’s Mum wasn’t able to join us in person.  She was however speaking to us over the phone so could join in to what was happening for the duration of the visit.  Working together we got the system set up and created an email address and password that they could remember.  Philip then made a note of this so the process would be easier in the future. 

Once everything was tuned in and working to Philip’s satisfaction he was able to once again enjoy using his PlayStation and TV.  We received thanks from them both and left them very happy with the outcome.  We told them to call us any time they needed help in the future. 

Philip is not always able to get out and about so his PlayStation is a means of escape and contact with the outside world.  I am familiar with PlayStation from my own personal use so was happy to share my experience to help.  Help included setting up an account for the PlayStation store letting him take his games online.  The tenant was really pleased and thanked both Billy and myself for our help. 

DAVID, DIGITAL CHAMPION

Phil really appreciated the help he received as he spends lots of time on his PlayStation, the support was very helpful.     

CHRISTINE

One step leads to another 

When speaking to Christine about sharing their story as an example of the help our Digital Champions are providing, she requested another visit from David to help some more with Phillip's digital skills.  So, arrangements have been made for David to visit and provide more support which we look forward to delivering.