Virtual Cream Tea is a real success for Neil

Former Royal Air Force Reservist Neil Owen had planned to attend the session, which was aimed at connecting Members in their local area and helping them with their digital and online skills.

When the event had to be cancelled he decided to host his own cream tea get together from the safety of his home and asked his Outreach Officer, Sarah Payne, to join him via Skype.

“It was lovely to talk to a real face on my screen,” said the 74 year old, whose left leg was amputated above the knee in 2008 following an infection he picked up whilst having knee replacement surgery.

“You can speak on the phone and send text messages, but it’s not the same as chatting to somebody you can actually see, especially as I am on my own right now. That was what my Skype video call with my Blesma Outreach Officer was all about.”

During their catch-up, Sarah was also able to calm Neil’s worries about getting food and medicine while he was self-isolating alone, ensuring him that Blesma had a team of volunteers who could make the deliveries if he was in need.

“We made our own cream teas and said cheers with our Blesma t-shirts on,” said Neil. “It’s great to know the Association is there and that I can ring them if I ever have a problem. It’s a huge relief right now.”