High Life Highland creates new activities online
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High Life Highland (HLH) has extended its range of services and classes available online, using technology to create new activities for the community during the lockdown period.
Over the past month, HLH teams have put together a variety of online content to support people's health and wellbeing, including online classes and a range of free newspapers, books and interactive archive sessions.
Interest is high, with more than 26,000 engaging through its social media pages in the past week alone. For details of activities, with links to the resources, click here.
The charity closed all archive centres, libraries, leisure centres, museums and swimming pools across the region last month, in line with government advice to minimise social contact. Since then, staff have been finding ways for people living in the Highlands to continue to access cultural services and classes online where possible.
The services offered include:
- Online fitness classes from some of HLH’s own instructors, prepared during the time of the lockdown using available equipment and often from the instructor’s home environment.
- Workoutathome, a way to build your own fitness routine.
- Learn with Lorna, a series of sessions where people can find out more about the work of the Highland Archive Centre with Lorna Steele, a community engagement officer. There have been more than 10,700 views of the series so far.
- "Live" Bookbug sessions for young people created through HLH’s library service, enjoying over 9400 views to date.
In addition, all library book loans have been automatically extended and overdue charges have been removed from March 1 onwards.
Libraries already have a range of free e-books, audio books, newspapers, magazines and learning resources available. Anyone new to the service can register online to view these services.
HLH staff in adult and youth services are ensuring they keep in touch with vulnerable adults and young people on a regular basis, often daily.
Participants in cardiac rehab, Parkinson’s exercise, falls prevention and Move More (support for people affected by cancer) activities are receiving a personal contact by phone or email from HLH instructors, and are supported to continue with their physical activities in a safe and sustainable way.
HLH teams have also been supporting communities through:
- Guides on how to use online communication tools such as Skype and Zoom.
- Activity learning kits for young adults.
- Activities for young people through Facebook and other social media, such as "live" bedtime stories and an online Lego club.
HLH chief executive Steve Walsh said: “Our staff have looked at where we can continue to provide services to people living in the Highlands during these unprecedented times.
"By using online channels, we’ve been able to get a number of services up and running fairly quickly. Many others are in development and will be available soon for Highland communities.
“Our teams have used technology and innovation to fit within government guidelines on working from home and social distancing to offer services online. We are indebted to our supporters, especially those that have helped to cover the charity’s ongoing overheads by making donations or continuing to pay subscriptions during this period.
"We are also making applications to other funding available to support organisations such as ours during this period.
“Our services play a major part in the social lives of individuals and families throughout Highland communities and we've already had some great feedback from people using the resources.
"I hope that these interim measures will help everyone during this time when it is vital that we work together to maintain our health and wellbeing. To keep up to date with what is available in your area, please check our website and social media channels."
