It’s often said that the worst times bring out the best in people. Former Perth lass, Jenn Nimmo-Smith, showed incredible community spirit in the launch of her recent campaign ‘Tech Device Network.’ The aim is to keep care home residents connected with their loved ones during lockdown.
The well-respected publicist partnered up with Scottish Care after feeling the emotional strain of social distancing herself. When video-calling her mum, who currently resides in a care home, using an iPad, Jenn couldn’t help but consider the struggles of those who don’t have access to such devices. And the rest, they say, is history!
Scottish Care represents the largest sector of Scotland’s independent social care providers. Together with Jenn, they began to call on the general public to donate their unused tablets, smartphones, etc., to distribute to care homes across Scotland. Encouraging Scots to share their precious connecting moments using #TechConnectsCare on social media.
It’s hard to imagine the upset that some of our most vulnerable members of the community must feel with social distancing restrictions in place. Particularly with care homes and their staff under immense pressure to protect residents from the COVID-19 outbreak. Many would consider a chance to connect and keep in touch with family and friends utterly priceless.
Becca Young, Policy & Research Manager at Scottish Care, expressed her gratitude for the amazing efforts of Jenn and how valuable the support this campaign will offer is to our care system.
“We are delighted to partner with Jenn to launch this Tech Device Network, supporting the wellbeing of our older and vulnerable citizens receiving care here in Scotland through access to technology.
Many are likely to be experiencing significantly reduced physical contact and social engagement as a result of the current pandemic, and this initiative is a positive way in which we can keep our communities connected.“
As a former resident of Perth, we couldn’t let this heart-warming lockdown story pass. Jenn now stays in Glasgow running her successful PR agency, Electric Shores. But, as she says, the fair city will always remain special to her.
I lived in Perth from the age of 16 until I was around 21 when I then moved down to London. I did my Highers at Perth College, having had a really rough time at school elsewhere before that.
I have so many fond memories of my time there, and one of my oldest friends still lives there (hiya Ali!). It’s where my love for music really grew through the DIY music scene, which is still going strong there. Perth will always have a special place in my heart.
If you have been inspired by Jenn’s story and want to get involved in keeping families connected during the pandemic. Then, head to https://scottishcare.org/techdevicenetwork to find out more about donating your unused devices.
From everyone at Perth Life, we wish Jenn the best of luck in continuing to support care homes across Scotland.
