Appeal launched to help people with learning disabilities in Hastings and Rother to stay connected during lockdown

A significant number of people with learning disabilities have been facing an increased level of isolation during the coronavirus lockdown because they can’t access the internet.

A quarter of people with learning disabilities, supported by Sussex-based, national voluntary befriending programme Gig Buddies, are locked out of the digital connection that so many of us are using to stay in touch with friends.

This Learning Disability Week (15-21 June) is exploring the importance of friendships during lockdown.

Gig Buddies is running an emergency appeal during the week (and beyond), to help their participants that don’t currently have access to the internet get online.

Every donation will help to provide a smartphone to someone with a learning disability, helping them stay in touch with friends and giving them access to Gig Buddies’ online community.

Although lockdown restrictions are lifting, people living with a learning disability are not alone in feeling confused and anxious about the new rules and how they apply to them.

They are also impacted by having a higher risk of respiratory issues, may be dependent on carers and those in supported living accommodation are subject to the Government’s more stringent protection measures that apply to care homes.

Being connected digitally will continue to play a major role in tackling the isolation that people with learning disabilities felt even before lockdown began.

An online friendship between Daniel Randall-Nason (44) and Darren Johnson (54), from Hastings, has opened up a whole new world for Daniel and totally transformed his experience of being in lockdown.

Since being online, Daniel and Darren have been able to share laughs again together.

Daniel said: “I felt frustrated and even more isolated at the beginning of lockdown but now that I can see my friends, I feel like I’m in the room and not cut off and bored anymore.

“Getting online can really help you stay connected to your friends, to stay positive and not get depressed.”

The first thing Daniel and Darren are going to do together once lockdown lifts is have a BBQ and dance to Slade on the beach.

It costs £220 to provide a participant with a smartphone and get them digitally connected.

For more information on Gig Buddies and its work and to donate to their Emergency Appeal, visit www.gigbuddies.org.uk/emergency-appeal-covid-19/

See also Hastings fishermen to feature in new BBC film