Press Release | 27 Aug 2020

Vodafone and Alcove connect thousands of vulnerable people during COVID-19 crisis

Vodafone UK and Alcove, a care technology supplier, have connected over 3,000 elderly and vulnerable people to friends, family and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vodafone provides connectivity for Alcove’s Video Carephone – a specially adapted tablet that offers easy-to-use video and voice calls to friends, family and carers.

In the UK, many vulnerable people are experiencing increased isolation during the pandemic. The Video Carephone, powered by Vodafone’s connectivity, has offered a digital alternative to face-to-face contact; and helped combat loneliness and deliver vital virtual care without the need for fixed-line internet or in-depth technical knowledge. The device also provides reminders for health and wellbeing tasks, such as taking medicines at the right time, via its concierge service.

The Alcove Video Carephone is being used by vulnerable people, care agencies, Covid-19 recovery facilities and hospitals following distribution by local councils in Essex, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Northern Ireland, South Tyneside and Suffolk.

Theresa, Support Worker for George, 90, at Millicent Day Centre in Essex, said: “The Video Carephone gives us the face-to-face time we need with George. It helps prevent him from feeling isolated. I would love to see more of our customers using this device.”

Liz, Team Leader at Home First in Suffolk, who oversees carers for Mrs O, said: “The device has been amazing. We call Mrs O twice a day to help prevent her hallucinations, while maintaining her regular face-to-face visits when we can. The ability to talk to her carer about everyday things is really helping normalise her day. Her daughter tells me she is enjoying the interaction and has been giggling and laughing on the calls, something she hasn’t seen for a while.”

Hellen Bowey, Chief Executive of Alcove, said: “We are thrilled that our Video Carephone has had such a huge impact, particularly during this terrible pandemic. We hear every day how it is helping people keep connected with loved ones, access medical services and mental health support and stay fit and healthy.

“Working with Vodafone has been fantastic. We have a wonderful account manager who really cares that we are connecting elderly and vulnerable people. And Vodafone’s network coverage is excellent – essential for this solution. We look forward to continuing our relationship as we supply the Video Carephone to other areas of the UK.”

Helen Lamprell, General Counsel & External Affairs Director, Vodafone UK, said: “There is a huge opportunity for technology to transform social care and we are thrilled that our connectivity is helping vulnerable people keep connected and healthy during this health crisis.

“We will continue to work with our amazing charity partners – and inspiring businesses such as Alcove – to ensure our connectivity has a positive impact on society.”

Notes to editors

About Alcove

Alcove specialises in delivering personalised care monitoring systems for local authorities, the NHS, housing associations and sheltered accommodation providers across the country. Alcove’s intelligent care technology ecosystem was developed to enhance independent living for older and disabled adults and revolutionise the delivery of care and support services globally to provide the 21st Century replacement for telecare. Alcove is the only assistive technology ecosystem provider in the marketplace to embed both one touch video calling and Alexa into its connected platform. Alcove is a Care Quality Commission commended intelligent care technology provider.

For more information, see www.youralcove.com.

About Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed-line connections, home and office broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

We have a strong track record as a tech pioneer, making the UK’s first mobile phone call, sending the first text message, and making the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G in 2018. We were the first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester and now have 5G in locations across Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain as well as the UK. Meanwhile, our 4G network coverage currently reaches over 99% of the UK population.

Today, Vodafone serves more than 18 million mobile and fixed-line customers in the UK. Vodafone is the largest provider of full fibre in the UK – our superfast broadband services are now available to nearly 12 million homes across the UK.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what we do: as of 1 July 2021, 100% of the grid electricity we use in the UK is certified to be from renewable sources.

For more information about Vodafone UK, please visit: www.vodafone.co.uk.

Vodafone UK Media Relations

Telephone: +44 (0) 1635 693 693

Email: ukmediarelations@vodafone.com

Twitter: @VodafoneUKNews

Website: https://vodafone.co.uk/newscentre/

Vodafone Limited

Registered Office: Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN

Registered in England No: 1471587