WaveLength

WaveLength charity works to fight loneliness and social isolation across the UK with the provision of digital technology. They donate radios, tablet computers and TVs to those who are lonely, isolated and vulnerable.

How Do WaveLength Fight Loneliness & Isolation?

By giving TVs, radios and tablets, WaveLength is helping people stay connected to the world. They support those who are lonely because of age related vulnerabilities, poor physical or mental health, who are isolated or by circumstances which make it hard for them to leave their home, victims of domestic violence or previously homeless. Additionally, they support refugees and victims of modern-day slavery/trafficking. The equipment gifted to an individual becomes theirs for life; it acts as their new companion and escapism from day-to-day life.

As well as individuals, the charity also works within the communities across the UK with groups and organisations such as public sector organisations, registered charities and not for profit organisations. These range from Women’s Aid, homeless hostels, youth centres, care homes, Age Concern, dementia care groups and more. Working with organisations is a great way for WaveLength to help as many people combat loneliness as possible - providing 1 communal TV for a homeless shelter could benefit around 20-50 people per year.

This technology can fill the silence of an empty room, act as a loyal companion, keep people connected to the world, maintain relationships with families, as well as finding resources online for help and support and so much more. The use of this technology has become ever more vital over the lockdown period to connect people to their friends and family, or even just to listen to the news to find out the latest coronavirus updates.

WaveLength regularly monitors the impact of the technology they donate to ensure they are successfully meeting the needs of those they help on a day-to-day basis. They do this by asking their beneficiaries to complete a part 1 impact measurement form when they make an application to the charity. Further down the line once the successful applicant has been using the tech for 4-6 weeks, they complete the paper 2 impact measurement form. This helps the charity to assess whether the technology has made an impact on the beneficiaries’ feelings of loneliness, isolation and overall health. WaveLength have also undertaken research with the University of York, which proves the technology they give helps people feel less lonely, happier, and healthier too.

Unfortunately, WaveLength does not receive any government funding and relies solely on the generosity of their supporters. If you want to find out more about the charity, or make a donation to support their work, you can visit their website: https://wavelength.org.uk/.