With access to the internet and technology more important than ever, a new scheme in Gwynedd and Anglesey is getting key workers and community centres on-line for free.
The project, co-ordinated by Menter Môn with the support of Welsh Government, provides internet access via 4G routers in rural areas where there is no reliable connection. The aim is to ensure that key workers and community centres involved in local efforts to respond to COVID19 can make use of technology to carry out vital work.
Sioned Thomas, Senior Operations Manager at Menter Môn, explained:
“We’re all so dependent on technology and the internet these days, especially now during current COVID19 restrictions. It has ensured that many of us have been able to work form home and to maintain contact with colleagues and important services. So, it’s difficult to imagine trying to work without internet access - but this is the reality for many in rural areas.
“We saw an opportunity here to make a difference to many who were struggling to provide essential services remotely due to lack of connectivity. The scheme allows key workers to access programmes such as Zoom to communicate not only with colleagues but also with vulnerable service users who would otherwise be isolated.”
The scheme works by providing a router with 4G sim card to key individuals who have to work from home or to community buildings that currently provide services to vulnerable people. Centres that have benefited from the scheme include Siop Mechell in Llanfechell, Anglesey; and Blaenau Ffestiniog Town Council, as well as a number of homes for the elderly.
Another to receive a router is Gwenan Griffiths, a social worker at Gwynedd Council. She said:
“I live in such a rural area; at best the phone signal and broadband connection is poor here. I have four children, and with two of them needing to do school-work on-line it was impossible for me to do my work as well as letting the children to access the school Hub.
"I'm really grateful that I was able to benefit from this scheme. It has meant that I no longer have to do my work in the early hours of the morning as we can all be on-line at the same time.”
This is the latest project in a series by Menter Môn during the coronavirus crisis. Schemes the social enterprise has been leading on include distributing food to vulnerable people and frontline workers, as well as co-ordinating accommodation for health workers who are unable to return to their homes because they have to self-isolate.
Dafydd Gruffydd is Managing Director of Menter Môn, he said:
“As a company I am proud of what we have been able to achieve during the pandemic. This latest pilot to distribute 4G routers has been successful and we will be looking to build on this over coming months. We will continue to work with employers and local services to ensure more locations and individuals in rural areas can keep in touch and continue to provide and safeguard services.”
This is a LEADER project which looks at trailing new ideas in order to find solutions to the challenges which face rural communities.