Residents and staff at an East Renfrewshire care home have handed over a £250 cheque to support the launch of a new digital project for the elderly.

The donation by Newton House Care Home, in Newton Mearns, was organised as part of its community outreach programme.

It has been handed to Glasgow’s Golden Generation project and will be used to improve the quality of life for older adults through the likes of clubs and befriending services.

During the pandemic, the charity launched a digital service which distributed tablet computer devices to older adults.

It now plans to set up a digital café project that will run in day care centres and other venues, including churches, to help older people use their devices and stay safe online.

Lesley Giudici, of Glasgow’s Golden Generation, said: “The digital café project will be able to help older people financially during this time of economic crisis.

“Being online enables you to save money on your energy by updating your meter readings regularly – and managing your bank account online enables you to have better control over your finances. Many of us take being online for granted and don’t think about the financial benefits it brings us.”

David Holbrook, regional community relations lead at Newton House, added: “We have seen how, during the pandemic, digital devices really helped connect us with friends and family we were unable to meet.

“Technology can bring people together, particularly as they get older and perhaps are not so mobile – and that is a huge benefit.

“These kinds of projects benefit so many people, they help avert loneliness and encourage us to remain closer, even if physically that is not always possible.

“By joining the digital café project, people will also be mixing socially and sharing stories, as well as learning something new.”