Project iCare

My name is Mark Skelton and I am the ambassador for Talk Directs project iCare which was founded in April 2014. The aim of the project is to help the visually impaired community improve their daily lives with the help of digital technology, i.e. smartphone or tablet devices. I am very passionate about my role as I am registered blind myself and know only to well what a difference digital technology can make. If I didn't use a smart phone or tablet myself I would struggle to read a simple message or even write a short note. We have worked hard to make sure we can hopefully find a solution to help anyone with any level of visual impairment and have had some great success stories along the way.

In our stores we have an O2 Guru who has the technical knowledge on how to get the best out of a device so that people suffering from low vision can still communicate with family and friends. Simple options such as voice over functions and magnification settings can make a world of difference. They will also happily show people how to use apps that can increase the benefits of a device. For example, I use an app where I can download a talking book which is narrated by the author. On a standard phone I would not be able to do any of the above so making a simple phone call would be a huge struggle.

Since we started the project it has really helped people stay in contact and some of our clients have had secondary disabilities but we have always managed to find a solution for their needs. During the early period we have built up a great working relationship with Royal Society for the Blind, Yorkshire Guide Dogs and Action for the Blind. Our work with Action for the Blind saw Talk Direct be the first Yorkshire company ever win the 'see the capability not the disability award'. We currently visit all local visually impaired charities and support groups to show their service users just what we and technology can do to help them. These visits have proved tremendously popular and if you feel you may benefit from this service please get in touch.

Our main aim for the future is to continue working with these great companies and to provide support in our stores so the visually impaired can embrace technology so that it can help people in day to day life.

Published : 02-01-2019

One Plus 6T Phone Review

Our O2 Guru at Skipton Adam reviews the One Plus 6T Android phone.

Published : 15-10-2018

Special My Guide Training from Guide Dogs in Leeds

The My Guide course is a very intensive days training and really hits home how tough sight loss can be.

Published : 01-10-2018

Supporting the Visually Impaired Community at Sight Village in Leeds

On September 26th, Talk Direct continued its work with the visually impaired community by attending Sight Village in Leeds.

Published : 27-09-2018

Supporting the Guide Dogs Charity in Leeds

Talk Direct recently donated £5000 to the charity Guide Dogs in Leeds to help with the cost of supplying a dog to a visually impaired user.

Published : 20-09-2018

The Partially Sighted Society Recommends the Talk Direct Team

The Partially Sighted Society have been working closely with the Talk Direct team now for around 3 years.

Published : 14-09-2018

SRSB Praise Talk Direct For Project iCare

SRSB has enjoyed working with Mark and members of his O2 Guru team from Talk Direct for the last few years.

Published : 05-09-2018

Rotherham Sight and Sound - Talk Direct O2 Guru Team Visit

Steve Waller from Rotherham Sight and Sound gave his great feedback from the recent Talk Direct O2 Guru Team visit, led by Mark Skelton - Community Projects Manager.

Published : 03-07-2018

Talk Direct Continued Its Work In The Community

Talk Direct continued its work in the community by visiting the partially sighted society in Doncaster to speak about accessibility on all smart devices.

Published : 12-06-2018

Technology Awareness Event

The Leeds Hearing & Sight Loss Service invites you to join us for a technology awareness event.

Published : 04-06-2018

Recommended App - Sound Scape

Our O2 Guru at Scarborough Marcus demonstrates how to use the app Sound Scape

Published : 01-06-2018

iOS Accessibility tips

Ed our O2 Guru talks you through 4 main features on the iPhone 8 plus.

Published : 29-05-2018

Recommended Android app - Claria Zoom

Our O2 Guru at Crossgates Jordon demonstrates how to use the Android app Claria Zoom.

Latest News

Published : 09-12-2019

Practitioner Course in GDPR Success

A huge well done & congratulations to Shelley Race for completing and passing the Practitioner Course in GDPR with Merit!

Published : 26-07-2019

Rachel and Kasia get Pretty Muddy

Rachel and Kasia who work at the O2 Store in Worksop decided to take part in the Cancer Research Race for Life Pretty Muddy event this year. Both of whom in the last few years have had family members battling cancer.

Published : 19-06-2019

Fundraising Charity Event for Guide Dogs

Rebekah from our O2 Store in the Merrion Centre decided to hold a charity event for Guide Dogs which ran on Saturday 1st June.

Published : 30-05-2019

Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Trust

Phil from our O2 Store at Junction 32 has organised a charity Dentdale walk which will take place on 21st July 2019 to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Trust.

Published : 29-05-2019

Project iCare Tech Session at Rotherham Sight and Sound

An afternoon organised for people who are living with sight loss so they can get help and support with smart technology.

Published : 14-03-2019

A big congratulations to Shaun Sheppard our Business Department Manager

A big congratulations to Shaun Sheppard our Business Department Manager for winning our MD’s first Employee of the Quarter Award!!

Published : 01-03-2019

Mental Health First Aider Training

On the 19th and 26th February 2019, 8 members of staff from the Head Office Team successfully completed their Adult 2 day Mental Health First Aider training.

Published : 23-11-2018

Pink Event day at the O2 Store in The Merrion Centre Leeds

On the 20th October 2018, Sam decided to hold a Pink Event day at the O2 Store in the Merrion Centre raising £545.