“John, in his fifties, and originally from North Wales, has just come out of prison. He’s in the area because his son from a previous relationship lives in Portsmouth and he wants to spend time with him. He used to work as an electrician but the arthritis in his hands is now so bad he can’t do that any longer. Once, whilst he was sleeping rough someone stamped on his leg and foot injuring him so badly that he can’t work on a building site at all. He has mental health issues and dyslexia. He has never used technology other than texting and ringing people and doesn’t know how to use a computer. He doesn’t even have a phone at the moment as it got stolen. Last night he slept in a disabled toilet in Southsea. He is not on the housing list and is struggling to sort his benefits out.”
“Ahmed, a recent immigrant from Africa in his 40s is waiting patiently at the Friends without Borders drop-in at All Saints Church to get help with his e-visa application so he can continue with his studies at XXX College. He has an old mobile phone which is not modern enough to handle the online application because he can’t update the software to a high enough version. He shows me the form he needs to complete which is long and complex. Eventually he managed to get a code to allow him to work in the UK (work e-visa) himself but has now worked out that he needs a different, separate code to allow him to carry on studying (study e-visa). He is resigned to the process but frustrated. Says he is trying to better himself but there are lots of barriers. Thinks computer courses at the drop-in would be a good idea for people like him.”
All personal details have been changed to protect their identities
