Community Network’s aim has always been to provide a facility that matches both technically and in terms of customer service any similar teleconferencing product run on a for-profit basis. Indeed, as they dial in for their meeting, most end users are probably unaware that revenue raised by that conference call will be ploughed directly back into community projects across the UK – specifically, those aimed at combating isolation.
So what can ‘combating isolation’ actually mean in practice?
"COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY COUNCIL'S LIBRARY SERVICE"
To the West Midlands - the City of Birmingham - for a perfect example. Here, Community Network provides the backbone for an innovative venture – a telephone book club for housebound elderly people, keen readers who would otherwise be unable to share and discuss their passion.
“The project came about through a collaboration with the City Council’s Library Service and a voluntary initiative called RSVP,” explains Pat Fitzsimons, Community Network’s Chief Executive. “The Library Service has around 2000 housebound residents registered, and each receive a monthly delivery of books. However there was no practical way for these people to attend a ‘traditional’ book club.”
The idea for a ‘tele-conference book club’ gained momentum, and library staff were quick to find readers interested in joining the pilot scheme. With RSVP providing organisational input through a Project Advisor, and Community Network bringing the technology, the scheme was ready to go. A member of library staff and one of the club members were given training in how to conduct a telephone conference, enabling the club member to take on the role of facilitator. “Immediately, this boosted the project’s sustainability,” comments Pat.
"MEMBERS DO NOT PAY TELEPHONE CHARGES"
With a first book chosen, a date and time was picked for the first hour-long meeting. At the appointed hour, each member was called on their own telephone and linked in to the group discussion. Members do not pay telephone charges and their telephone numbers are, of course, treated as confidential. Since then, the club has expanded in numbers and meets regularly on the phone, once a month.
“From that pilot meeting, the club has gone from strength to strength,” reports Pat. “The aim now is to be able to reduce the external input from RSVP’s Project Advisor and in effect for the group to manage itself.”
"A HUGE DEMAND FOR IT"
Pat is quick to emphasise the small touches that helped the project to succeed. “The organisers circulated laminated sheets at the beginning, featuring everybody’s names and photographs. That immediately gave the call a personal feel. And the library has occasionally sent a minibus, so that members can meet up to chat face-to-face over a cup of tea.”
However, of the key reason for the book club’s success, there is no doubt. There was a huge demand for it amongst the region’s housebound elderly people.
“The club’s been able to link these people from their own living rooms, rekindled their interest, and given them new friends,” says Pat. “This is the epitome of what Community Network stands for.”
