LOCKDOWN LEADER: Jacqui Barrett
To have friends and relatives admitted to hospital with Covid-19 is traumatic enough; to be unable to visit them only adds to the heartbreak. Step forward Jacqui Barrett, co-founder of Salient Future, a creative agency made to support the FinTech industry.
After using Facetime to talk to her mum who’s in a care home. Barrett had the bright idea to donate free tablets to patients in isolation, to help them stay in touch with loved ones.
The scheme, #TabletswithLove, has so far seen over 400 digital devices (tablets and smartphones) sent to 25 NHS Trusts, to help patients and care home residents in isolation make video calls to stay in touch with their loved ones. The campaign is partnering with Helpforce, the official network which distributes all NHS donations to the relevant people and places, and as Barrett says, is a relatively low-cost opportunity – some devices retail at £40. But the impact it has is invaluable, connecting literally thousands of isolated families. “Traditional tablets are given to make us better,” says Barrett, “but digital tablets are equally important right now to keep that visual connection when in isolation, especially when you’re surrounded by people in masks. Seeing a loved one’s smiling face is akin to having them hold your hand. Nobody needs to feel alone.”
The likes of Lenovo and UK online retailer Very.co.uk have also donated tech to the campaign: “When Jacqui contacted the team at Very to support her campaign by donating iPads, we thought it was a great idea and happily contributed,” a spokesperson said. “Having the support of loved ones at moments like this is so important and we hope this donation helps people stay connected during these difficult times.” Adds Barrett, “If we can help reduce that trauma just marginally, there may be some solace in knowing they were present as much as possible. I appreciate that many people may not want that visual connection for many reasons, but just having the choice should be a basic right during this turbulent time.”