Free webinar: Simple ways to get online and feel less isolated

This free webinar took place on Wednesday 22 October 2025.

Feeling isolated? You're not alone, and technology can help. 

As part of AbilityNet's partnership with BT Group to boost the digital skills of older people and disabled adults, in this free webinar, Simple ways to get online and feel less isolated, our experts discussed how to turn isolation into connection, with ideas for apps, online communities and tools to help beat loneliness.

This online session took place during Get Online Week (20-26th October 2025), where AbilityNet's Hannah Davies shared practical, actionable tips to try out with your devices. 

David Crepaz-Keay from Mental Health Foundation also highlighted how to use tech wisely to aid your mental health.

• From online book clubs to virtual walking groups, learn how digital tools can bring joy and community into your daily life. 
• Explore easy-to-use apps and websites that offer companionship, entertainment, and support. 
• This friendly session will also highlight how smartphones, tablets, and video calling apps like Zoom and WhatsApp can help.
• No jargon, no pressure, just practical advice. Whether you're new to tech or just need a refresher, you'll leave feeling more confident and connected.

Watch the webinar recording below and download the slides and transcript.

Bring a friend, relative or client

This free session is part of AbilityNet's work with telecommunications company BT Group to help older and digitally excluded people to build online skills and confidence.

If you work in an organisation with clients who could benefit from learning about the digital world, please do share this session.

It's also a great session for organisations who provide digital inclusion support to service users. 

Who will benefit from this webinar?

The session will benefit:

• Older people and disabled adults
• Carers of older people or disabled adults
• Health professionals working with older people or disabled adults
• People interested in tech and digital devices
• Web and Accessibility professionals interested in design and digital considerations for older people and disabled adults

Q&A

This webinar ran for 45 minutes and included an opportunity to pose questions to the speaker. Find out more about our webinars in our FAQs information.

Download the slides

You can download the slidedeck used in this webinar [PPT]

Download the transcript

You can download the transcript from this webinar [DOC]

Meet your panellists

Hannah Davies, AbilityNet

With a background in education, both primary teaching and college lecturing, Hannah is passionate about helping people expand their knowledge and develop new skills, and joined the AbilityNet BT Digital Skills team earlier this year and has been delivering digital skills training sessions to older people in the Aberdeen, Perth and Dundee region.

David Crepaz-Keay, Mental Health Foundation

David is Head of Research and Applied Learning at the Mental Health Foundation, where he has led the organisation’s involvement in research projects that enable people to support their own, and each others’ mental health.

During his 30 years in the sector, David has developed national service user networks in England, Scotland and Wales. He is currently co-chair of the ethics, policy and position committee of the International Society for Psychiatric Genetics, and has previously been a technical advisor to the World Health Organisation and senior mental health advisor to Public Health England.

Do you know an elderly person or a group of older people or disabled adults who want to know more about using digital devices?

Useful links

• Sign up to the AbilityNet newsletter for more free resources like this webinar!
• Find out about AbilityNet's Digital accessibility services