How many GoodGymmers does it take to set up a tablet?

Today four of us made our way to Borough to help Age UK Southwark and Lambeth. Rebecca from Age UK was there to guide us through. They had received donations of tablets for their Digital Inclusion Campaign. The aim was simple; to set up the tablets with Gmail and Zoom accounts. The desired impact was clear; to help vulnerable older people reduce their isolation and better manage their shopping online. We thought we would breeze through the task. But how wrong were we!

Gmail requires text message verification to set up an account, but the tablets weren't designed to accept sim cards. We thought we'd be clever and register them all to Rebecca's work phone. Google was one step ahead, of course. We could only register two accounts to a single phone number. To add to the fun, each tablet had its own quirks and challenges.

Cue calm and orderly chaos! Fuelled by crisps and chocolates generously laid out by Age UK, we did manage to get most of the tablets set up and we had a laugh while we were at it.