Strengthening Independence Through Digital Confidence

For many of us, managing our health online is part of everyday life. But for others, it can feel out of reach.

Through our partnership with Digital Essex, our occupational therapists have supported 14 people living with long-term conditions and disabilities to build digital confidence—whether that meant learning to use the NHS app or taking their very first steps online.
From sending emails and ordering prescriptions, to completing online food shops and even leading community cycling sessions, the impact has gone far beyond digital skills—it’s about confidence, independence, and connection.

This is the power of person-centred, occupational therapy-led support.

With the support of a Sport for Confidence occupational therapist, one participant in her 80s built the confidence to use a laptop, access the NHS app, and even complete her first online food shop—gaining independence and saving money along the way.

A reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new.

Strengthening independence through digital confidence

For many people, technology is second nature. But for others, it can feel unfamiliar, even intimidating.

When one participant in her 80s was introduced to the idea of developing her digital skills, it was something she had never considered before. Technology simply hadn’t been part of her world.

Having attended a Sport for Confidence strength and balance group for two years, she already had a trusted relationship with our occupational therapy team. That trust became the foundation for something new.

Starting Somewhere Familiar

Knowing that new experiences can feel daunting, sessions were carefully planned in a place she already felt comfortable—the community café at her local leisure centre.
Surrounded by familiar faces and a supportive environment, the pressure was lifted. There were no expectations—just a gentle, person-centred approach, working at her pace.
Together, they explored what she could already do. She was using her smartphone for calls, but living with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome meant even simple tasks caused discomfort. Holding the phone, typing a PIN, or using touch features was painful and frustrating.

So, the approach changed.

Adapting to the Individual

Rather than expecting her to adapt to technology, the technology was adapted to her.
An occupational therapist recommended a laptop—something she had never used before—but one that offered a larger screen and a keyboard that would be easier to manage. To reduce pain further, an ergonomic mouse replaced the trackpad, allowing her to use the device more comfortably and for longer periods.

These small adjustments made a big difference.
Step by step, her confidence began to grow.

Building Skills, Building Confidence

What started as something unfamiliar soon became something empowering.

Through one-to-one support, she learned how to:

Turn a laptop on and off
Navigate icons and search the internet
Set up and use an email account

Each session built on the last, reinforcing her confidence and independence.
And with that confidence came something even more important—a shift in mindset.

“I still make mistakes, but I’m not scared of it anymore. I just try again.”

A New Sense of Independence

The impact of these new skills reached far beyond the screen.
For the first time, she and her husband were able to order repeat prescriptions online—saving time and making managing their health easier.
She also completed her first online food shop, reducing the need for costly taxi journeys and bringing greater independence into everyday life.

“I wouldn’t have done it without the occupational therapist… they were so patient and took their time.”

More Than Just Learning Technology

This wasn’t just about learning how to use a laptop.

It was about confidence.
It was about independence.
It was about removing barriers and opening up new possibilities.

With the right support, in the right environment, and at the right pace, something that once felt out of reach became part of everyday life.

Looking Ahead

Her experience is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new—and that with the right support, even the most unfamiliar challenges can become opportunities.

At Sport for Confidence, this is what we strive to do every day: meet people where they are, build on their strengths, and support them to live the lives they want to live.

Learn more about our partnership with Digital Essex, here.

Find out more about Digital Essex, and their work to bridge the digital divide, here.