Smartphone donation brings joy

Socially-distancing members of a learning disability support service in Stockton-on-Tees, have been entertaining themselves at home with art sessions and online discos, thanks to a generous donation from the global technology leader, Xiaomi.

Tees Alive, a specialist day service delivered by the social care charity, Community Integrated Care, offers people who have learning disabilities the opportunity to enjoy fun activities and develop valuable life skills, including swimming, sport and cookery sessions.

But when coronavirus hit the nation and lockdown arrived, the service had to temporarily close.

Social care workers based at the service were therefore delighted when they received a donation of nine Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite smartphones. These were provided by the technology giant to enable Tees Alive members to stay connected with each other.

These have ensured that the people who access Tees Alive and the thousands of others they support across the nation can continue to pursue their talents and interests throughout this challenging time.

Kelly Winham, Regional Manager for Community Integrated Care, says: “It feels like the world is getting back to normal, but for many people in social care that’s sadly not the case just yet. Some people who access Tees Alive won’t have the opportunity to re-join the service that they love for some time, due to the complexity of their needs. These smartphones have ensured that everyone has been able to stay in touch with their friends and to continue to enjoy activities together. It has been a much-needed boost for everyone to receive such high-quality and thoughtful gifts.

We’re incredibly grateful to Xiaomi for their generous support of Community Integrated Care and Tees Alive.”

Wen Ou, Head of Western Europe at Xiaomi, said: “Technology has an amazing ability to bring people together, and at no time has that been clearer than during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a particularly challenging time for people in social care, so we were glad to offer our support to Community Integrated Care. It has been heart-warming to see how much these donations have meant to people and to know that they have made a real difference.”