RGS Worcester has recently provided 20 iPads to a local dementia group to support them during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Droitwich Spa Meeting Centre supports people with dementia and their families and helps them to adjust to their changing situation as a result of this illness.

For the last five years, the centre has been a place for relaxation, fun and socialisation where activities have addressed emotional, cognitive and social requirements.

Before the pandemic swept across the UK, plans were in place for RGS Worcester to provide to the centre a number of iPads, pre-loaded with bespoke playlists, personal films and videos to help provide emotional and behavioural benefits for attendees.

John Pitt, headteacher of RGS Worcester said: “This is such a difficult illness for the individual and for their families and we seized upon this initiative since it allows RGS to help.

"These iPads are no longer suitable for the classroom but can make a very real difference to a dementia patient in the community. It is particularly important at this time that we look to support others and we hope that this will help.”

It was also planned that staff from all four of the RGS schools were going to assist with digital training for carers and family members.

However, the Coronavirus crisis has meant that the centre is currently closed and many of the members have had to isolate, away from friends and family.

Therefore the centre and RGS Worcester came up with an alternative plan to support the members and families.

John Jones, director of innovation for RGS, delivered the devices to PhD student Ruby Swift who began work on procuring playlists for members.

Once they are ready, the devices will be dropped off at their places of residence and the hope now is that they will also help with remote communications as well as a way of listening to music and to view personal photos and films.

With 850,000 people suspected of having dementia in the UK, the number is only expected to rise and any assistance that can be provided for them and their families will make a difference.