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Charity on cloud nine with new IT system
Our Community Grant of almost £5,000, funding an upgrade to CHEER’s outdated IT system, is already making a huge difference, enabling staff to support more older people in Elmbridge.
CHEER is a local charity helping older people in Elmbridge to lead full and independent lives in their own homes. Their services are free of charge and include arranging regular one-to-one visits to people feeling isolated or lonely and arranging events to promote social interaction. They also help people to apply for benefits and link to other services such as carers.
“I was so pleased to find CHEER. Before COVID I had been able to get out and about by myself, but during the lockdowns my sight, mobility and confidence all deteriorated, and I didn’t feel able to get out at all. CHEER helped put me in touch with Elmbridge transport services so I can go out when I need to, and also matched me with a lovely young volunteer who has given me a new lease of life with her vibrant chatty visits.”
Our grant has enabled the charity to replace their slow, outdated IT system with an up-to-date cloud-based system, allowing them to manage their data securely and efficiently, and providing them with a good foundation for the future. The inclusion of 24/7 technical support increases productivity, allowing their staff to spend more time with their clients and less time on IT headaches.
“ The COVID pandemic has increased loneliness and isolation amongst the elderly and demand for CHEER’s services has grown. With the help of the grant, we have been able to expand our befriending service and support more of Elmbridge’s elderly.”