HealthTech member
Link-ages
Fiona Willis - Founder and Director of Link-ages, tells us more about her HealthTech business.
Tell us about your business.
We believe that a lack of digital experience should not be a barrier to staying socially connected. Our founder witnessed this problem first-hand in her own family and as a digital volunteer and this experience inspired her to create Link-ages.
The Link-ages Apps allow older and vulnerable users and their families to message, video call and share experiences safely and easily. Link-ages Go on smartphones for more experienced users and Link-ages Hub on tablet devices with a simplified interface for less experienced users. Link-ages addresses the issues that make existing digital communication platforms unsuitable for many older and vulnerable people: preventing unsolicited contact and focusing on ease of use.
We have been working with Residential Care and Retirement Living providers on the development of Link-ages Connect, a Management dashboard that works with the apps. This will enable greater engagement with and between residents through messaging, video calling and activity organisation, and provide residents with a safe and easy way to keep in touch with family, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for residents with family who cannot visit regularly. Covid-19 has truly highlighted the importance of digital communication, not as a replacement for personal contact, but as an enhancement.
When did you start your business?
2018.
What's been your biggest highlight?
Seeing digital skills and confidence change the lives of older people.
What's been your biggest challenge?
Trying to breakthrough into a techphobic demographic and market.
Advice for entrepreneurs starting out
Understand your target market, be honest with yourself about the challenges.