It’s time to embrace digital more than ever before so we’ve put together a list of a few apps for our learners, but the list will also help people who are self isolating. These are particulalry important for people who may feel very lonely and anxious. This is a basic list aimed at our learners and therefore many people will be aware of these, but if you are, it might be a good idea to start sharing them with friends and relatives.
Popular phone, video and messaging app.
This can be particuarly good for group messages, nice to have one group chat for friends and one for family so you can all chat together. It may be worth setting a group up with your neighbours in case anyone needs a hand with anything.
Video is great to have a face-to-face chat to colleagues or loved ones who can’t leave the house.
Skype
Phone, video and messaging app
FaceTime
Video calls available on apple devices
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204380
Group video chats
Allows up to 4 people to chat
https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/26000026/?category
Google Hangout
Skype
https://www.skype.com/en/features/group-video-chat/
Zoom
A good app for meetings for those working from home.
Social Media
You can use your email, but social media is also a great way of keeping in touch with friends and relatives, news, local community groups, services and charities. There will be Facebook groups for example that will set up to help local residents that are isolated.
However, please protect yourself from the negative news on social media for your mental health, block any pages or individuals that make you feel anxious and don’t believe everything you read. For coronavirus advice please see the links at the bottom of this document.
On a more postive note, there are many people sharing light-hearted and funny posts on social media to make you smile!
The free main channels listed below and all have direct messaging too.
Instgram
Useful Apps
There are also plenty of fun apps to keep you busy and stimulated. Just a few suggestions here, use a search engine to find the best ones for you, and remember you don’t need to pay for most!
TV and film streaming servcies
FREE
PAID MEMBERSHIP
Games
Chess
https://www.chess.com/play/apps
Susie Two Words
Word game you can play between two people
Flow Free
https://www.bigduckgames.com/flowfree
Jigsaw puzzles
Brain Training exercises
Online books and magazines
Learning
BBC Skillwise
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/learners
Google Digital Garage
www.learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage
Open University
Ted – interseting talks on different subjects
Duolingo – learn a language
YouTube
Lots of entertaining videos, including tutorials so you can learn new skills.
Creative
Canva
Create social media pictures, posters for events, e- birthday cards etc.
Quick Draw
Fun drawing challenges
Family History
Research your family tree
Google Earth
Have fun exploring the globe!
Remember if you want to improve your digtial skills from home then you can continue using Learn My Way or register for free! Our Centre number is 467.
Useful health websites
NHS Direct
Research and manage conditions
NHS Apps
Useful apps for both mental and physical health
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/
Doctorlink
Link with your GP practice
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces
Rehab4Addiction
Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Cambridgeshire and Near Cambridgeshire
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/country-wide/drug-alcohol-rehab-cambridgeshire
Other Useful Links:
Kingwood Lodge – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Cambridge
Learn My Way – Improving Health Online
Computer tutorials based on pictures, not words
Citizens Advice – general advice guide page
Government information about benefits in general
Financial help if you are disabled (from gov.uk)
CamSight, a charity advising the blind and visually impaired
Disability Cambridgeshire, information service for disabled people and their carers who live or work in Cambridgeshire (previously Directions Plus)
Cambridge Online Information Website (Link to our original COLC website with lots of local information about Cambridge.)