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Digital kiosks launched at Lincolnshire community hubs to support wellbeing

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has launched eight digital kiosks in various community venues across the county, support by national funding.

Through the kiosks and tablets, residents can access what is known as the ‘Lincolnshire Atrium’ – a resource helping individuals manage their health and wellbeing, and support mental health transformation in the community.

It includes information on how to contact the Lincolnshire Mental Health Helpline, alongside support groups and a range of activities.

The kiosks will be based in Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham, Holbeach, Lincoln, Louth, Mablethorpe, and Spilsby with the aim of reducing inequalities across Lincolnshire by improving access to technology.

A venue in Lincoln, Bridge Central, has been utilising the kiosks for a few months, Stacey Marriot, commented: “The Night Light Cafe at Bridge Central offers a non-clinical, out of hours safe space for people who are struggling with their mental health. The community kiosk and tablets have helped equip our team to provide valuable signposting advice to connect our guests with other services which can help meet their specific needs and improve their overall health and wellbeing.”

Steve Skinner, Service Development Lead for Adult Mental Health Community Division, explained: “Digital poverty is a significant barrier to some people accessing healthcare how they would like. The addition of the kiosks is important because it increases options for those who would not normally be able to access our services online.”

Running for two years, the project will be followed by an evaluation if the kiosks should continue to be a part of the hubs going forward.

David Jones, Business Development Manager at LPFT and Transformation Lead for Digital, added: “We have utilised national NHS England funding in an innovative way in partnership with health and social care system colleagues to enable access to digital services in community settings across the county.

“We hope the kiosks enable local people to access support and information in different way, as well as providing much needed digital access.”

Read more on the subject here.