Kimberworth care home residents star in TV advert

Occupants of Cherry Trees Care Home in Kimberworth were chosen to take part in the ad, which promotes Barclay’s digital skills workshops.

Through virtual sessions, Digital Eagles helped staff make the most of technology, keeping residents connected with family, access virtual church services, and even see their pets.

Ethel Eyre (100), from Greasborough said: “I love to have a chat with my friends and family I still get to see them. I also still get to go to church because of the tablet.”

Barclays Digital Eagles have rolled out the training in more than 500 care homes across the UK this year.

Rebekah Davies, a speech and language therapist and digital health clinical lead at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust took part in the training to get Cherry Trees online.

She said: “From remote therapy sessions to joining in family celebrations; it has been heart-warming to see our care home residents connect and come to life when they see loved ones on screen, when they learn something new or when they watch something that evokes fond memories.

“The power of technology for this group of people should not be underestimated.”

The Barclays Digital Eagles skills training was piloted in Rotherham and has now expanded across the country.

Rebekah added: “It was a chance conversation with Barclays and a lot of work in the background from us, NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning

Group, NHS England and NHS Improvement to get up and running and which has led to discussions about developing a national digital skills offer for the care sector.”

David Stewart, digital programme lead for NHS England and NHS Improvement said: “From the initial introduction Rebekah made, the offer of support grew from Rotherham to the North East and Yorkshire region and this is now being discussed nationally. This effectively offers thousands of care home staff the training they need to connect people virtually.”