Exeter museum crossing digital divide during lockdown

In April, the museum launched its RAMM at Homecreative challenge which provides weekly online inspiration and activities based on the museum’s stunning objects

Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) together with Exeter City Community Trust are sending out physical activity packs to shielded, vulnerable and isolated people in the city to help ease lockdown boredom.

In April, the museum launched its RAMM at Home creative challenge which provides weekly online inspiration and activities based on the museum’s stunning objects.

However, not everyone is able to access these activities online. The museum was conscious that lockdown is creating a stark digital divide in the UK, with many households having no access to the internet and others reliant on expensive pay-as-you-go services.

It turned to the Exeter Community Wellbeing hub and Exeter City Community Trust to make sure the packs reach the right people.

Councillor Rachel Sutton, Lead Councillor for Climate and Culture, Exeter City Council said: “Vulnerable groups such as elderly people and households with lower incomes often find it difficult to access the wealth of online creative resources that is available at the moment. We also know that some elderly people also do not feel comfortable using online services.

“Taking part in creative activities can help people’s wellbeing and mental health and this is more important than ever right now. By offering these physical packs, we are trying to ensure that everyone can benefit from the sense of achievement and connection that doing something creative can bring.”

The packs contain three creative activity sheets, a museum word search, some drawing materials and a postcard of an object or painting from RAMM’s collection for creative inspiration. The pack adheres to Public Health England guidance for infection control.

If people want to request a pack, and feel they fit in the “shielded, vulnerable or isolated” category, they can do so by phoning 01392 265960 and leaving their name and postal details or emailing jamie.vittles@ecfc.co.uk.

More information on the RAMM at Home creative challenge online can be found at: www.rammuseum.org.uk/getting-involved/rammhome/ with new activities released every Friday.