A STEVENSTON based charity has helped keep people in need connected during the pandemic – and now wants to reach others.

Mr Hughes, from Ardrossan, contacted CLASP in April looking for support when the country went into lockdown and he was included in the shielded group.

CLASP redesigned and adapted its existing HOPE and CLASP Digital Projects at end of March to form new telephone befriending and digital support services to support older people during the pandemic.

Mr Hughes said: “I have found the regular contact from the service very helpful during this virus as I have been very isolated for most of the year and needed some support.”

Mr Hughes continues to receive weekly telephone calls from the CLASP team who have also assisted him with accessing other essential services.

David Nichol made contact with the CLASP Digital Project in January 2018.

After progressing through the charity’s skills framework, he became a volunteer ‘digital buddy’ with CLASP, sharing his learning with other older people in the community.

With a newly found confidence in using new technology he was inspired to register for a computing course at college.

David said: “The CLASP team are inspiring, professional and so effective in improving mental health, reducing isolation and loneliness and improving the digital skills of older people.

“The warmth, kindness and patience that I received from the team during my learning journey with CLASP is something I will never forget”.

CLASP is carrying out a needs assessment survey to identify priorities for over 50s living in North Ayrshire.

If you are over 50 and would like to take part but need help with this, please telephone the CLASP main office on 01294 602711 leaving your name and number and one of the staff team will call back.

If you are able to complete the survey electronically you will find the link to the survey by accessing the CLASP website on www.clasps.org.uk