A WORCESTER charity has given five tablets to veterans who are in isolation to help them stay in contact with the wider world.

Stepway, a local charity launched in 2019 to help veterans readjust to civilian life, is lending the equipment to individuals who have no home access to a computer.

Worcester City Council provided a £500 community grant to cover half of the cost, with the charity funding the other half through donations.

“This is a very challenging time for everyone – but it’s particularly hard for people living on their own who have no access to a computer,” said cllr Chris Mitchell, the city council’s armed forces champion who spent 20 years in the army himself.

“The city council is proud to support local veterans who’ve done so much in the past to keep us all safe. Now it’s our turn to help them.”

Dawn Turner and Perminder Kundi, founders of the Stepway charity said: “The kindness and continued support of Worcester people has given local veterans the opportunity to keep in touch with their friends and loved ones.

“This will really improve their mental health by reducing their exclusion in these unprecedented times.”

“Stepway is still providing support for Worcestershire veterans during the Covid-19 crisis. We have mentors and case workers in daily contact with a number of individuals checking on their health and well being.

“We continue to provide a virtual drop in centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 1100 and 1200 by Skype.

“If you have served in any of the services and would like to join in for a chat then you can contact us for a link.

“If you are in difficulty and need assistance then please call: 07930657568.”

For more information e-mail info@stepway.org