Promethean has donated an ActivPanel to local charity ‘Healthier Heroes’, aiding the rehabilitation of veterans by enabling collaborative group exercises and allowing for remote teaching sessions during lockdown. Working in collaboration with channel partner, Gateway Heyworth Networks Ltd, the ActivPanel was supplied and installed ahead of Bancroft House – a new flagship facility in Burnley – opening in December 2020, with the technology now a pivotal part of the centre’s training operations.
Founded by ex-Army Colour Sergeant, Andrew Powell, and wife Rio, a former teacher, Healthy Heroes provides supported living and accommodation to army veterans, offering person-centred support so that they may return to independent living in the community and as active participants in society.
Healthier Heroes’ structured programme requires daily training and education sessions addressing health and wellbeing. The new ActivPanel interactive display has been key to delivering these sessions during lockdown, with Zoom-compatible features meaning teachers and coaches could access residents remotely.
Having used interactive displays in her previous school teaching experience, Rio recognised the role that technology can play in engaging and captivating learners: “The ActivPanel is packed full of features that illuminate learning opportunities, with the writing experience feeling as natural as putting pen to paper. It’s given us access to advanced technology that has opened up so many opportunities for our residents.”
The handwriting features of the ActivPanel have also allowed for collaborative creative exercises, with writing and poetry sessions helping residents explore feelings and develop communication skills.
Commenting on the donation of the ActivPanel, Andrew concluded: “We were originally facing the prospect of an old projector or dry whiteboard, to try and re-engage veterans in their future prospects and learning opportunities. The addition of the ActivPanel was a game changer. As a charity we are reliant on generosity, so we cannot thank Gateway Heyworth Networks Ltd and Promethean enough for providing us access with the latest technology to support learning and development.”
To learn more about the work of Healthier Heroes and the services offered by Bancroft House, please visit their website.