Be More Bernard!

In September last year, we were asked if we knew of an older person who would be willing to speak about their experience of digital at the GM Reform Board. Bernard had been involved in Tech and Tea for about a year and he immediately came to mind.

Bernard initially started his journey as a participant of Tech and Tea At Home, and then became regularly involved with the daily AFS Zooms. From there he wanted to become more involved and so signed up as a wellbeing champion to help deliver Tech and Tea at home and in the community.

When we asked Bernard if he would like to join us at the GM Reform Board meeting with Andy Burnham and other organisations he was delighted and also a bit sceptical. We agreed that our Tech and Tea development worker would support him. On the day Bernard said he was a bit nervous as he listened to everyone introduce themselves as most of the people attending the meeting were in very senior positions in their organisations. He had no need to worry. Bernadette introduced Tech and Tea and then introduced Bernard.

Bernard began by telling his digital story about how at the beginning of lockdown he had become very depressed and felt of no worth anymore, the went on to tell them about how he was told about a course called Tech and Tea and he thought “why not? It’s something new as I have nothing to do.”

Bernard shared how he progressed from a nervous participant of Tech and Tea to an active member of the daily AFS Zooms and how he started helping other people who lived in the same accommodation with some of their tech problems. After seeing how much Bernard enjoyed helping others our development worker asked Bernard would he like to be a volunteer on Tech and Tea and he said yes. Bernard is now one of our most active and confident volunteers.

Bernard received some lovely feedback from members of the Reform Board:

“Truly inspirational Bernard and showing just what older people can do if given the chance.”

“Brilliant stuff, fantastic insight into how tech can open up opportunities and change lives for the better. A privilege to be part of Reform Board at its best”

“Amazing Bernard, as a fellow Salfordian thanks for everything you are doing in the community too!”

After Bernard had finished Andy Burnham spoke directly to him, thanking him for sharing his story and how it had truly impacted him to make sure that digital inclusion is a priority.

After the meeting, Bernard and our development worker reflected on how the meeting had gone. Bernard read the positive comments in the chat.

“I feel valued and like I have something to live for now, making a difference in people’s lives. I have always been there to help everyone but the pandemic … my medical and mental health took that away …but I now have it back!”

Since attending the meeting, Bernard has been signed off by his counsellor as his mental health has improved so much in part due to “increasing both his voluntary and social community activities”. Bernard has also been invited to attend the next GM Reform Board meeting in 2022.

At the end of January, we were incredibly proud to present Bernard, Tech and Tea volunteer and local hero, with a letter of thanks from Andy Burnham for all his hard work on digital inclusion in Salford.