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 : 10-07-2017

iCare Introduction for new Guru James Blackwell

I understand that Talk Direct is currently the only O2 franchise to continuously provide advice and guidance to visually impaired people and also to train their Gurus specifically in accessibility.

Published : 05-07-2017

iCare Update for Headingley Guru Rebekah Brett

Our stores regularly do events for the visually impaired ranging from Worksop to Scarborough. The event that I attended was at Swatch Moore College in Leeds City Centre.

Published : 26-04-2017

Recommended Android app - QR & Barcode Scanner

Liam our O2 Guru at the Merrion Centre store demonstrates how to use the QR & Barcode Scanner.

Published : 24-04-2017

Recommended Android app - Large Launcher

Our O2 Guru at Crossgates Jordon demonstrates how to use the Android app Large Launcher

Published : 22-04-2017

Recommended Android app - Lazarillo

Our O2 Guru Brendan demonstrates how to use the Lazarillo app

Published : 20-04-2017

Recommended IOS app - Dragon Dictator

Rebecca from our O2 store in Headingley demonstrates how to use the IOS app Dragon Dictator.

Published : 17-04-2017

Recommended Android app - Text Fairy

Callum our O2 Guru at the Bridlington store demonstrates how to use Text Fairy.

Published : 13-04-2017

How To Use Siri With Your Music Library

Our O2 Guru James demonstrates how to use Siri with your music library.

Published : 07-04-2017

Recommended Android app - Blind Communicator

Joe our O2 Guru at the Rotherham s store demonstrates how to use the Blind Communicator app for Android devices.

Published : 21-03-2017

O2 Guru - Brenden's Story

Our O2 Guru at the Dewsbury store Brenden Hoad shares his iCare experiences.

Published : 08-02-2017

BBC Radio Sheffield interview Talk Direct's Mark Skelton

Mark Skelton talks openly about losing his eye sight on the Rony Robinson show.

Published : 24-01-2017

Recommended Android app - Magnify

Jordon our O2 Guru at the Crossgates store demonstrates how to use the Magnify app for Android devices.

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.