A NEW team has been formed to help care home residents and hospital patients to contact friends and family.

The Connect Us initiative will provide iPads to St Mary’s Hospital and care homes, where staff will help patients and residents to connect with friends and family members via video during times of restricted visiting.

The venture is led by Age UK IW with support from Wightfibre, Nosy Marketing and EV Express.

Age UK IW is liaising with St Mary’s and care homes, while Wightfibre — as part of its Connected Communities programme — is helping with the technical set up.

Nosy Marketing has designed the brand and EV Express will deliver the iPads to care homes. The first iPads were distributed last week.

Renault UK are also backing the initiative with the supply of a Renault Kangoo van demonstrator to EV Express,

If you would like to know more about Connect Us contact Age UK IW on 525282.