WaveLength is the UK’s leading loneliness charity giving media technology to those most in need.
They provide radios, televisions and tablet computers to help people maintain and increase the number of meaningful connections they have in their lives and to act as a window to the world. They support those who are lonely because of age, isolation, poor mental/physical health or by circumstances which make it hard for them to leave their home.
They do this by giving equipment to individuals but also to groups supporting those experiencing loneliness. There are separate application processes for each.
Group Application Guidance
They tend to work with small groups that have a low income and are unable to fund the equipment themselves. They are not able to support statutory bodies, including the NHS.
Equipment must be for beneficiaries and for use within the organisation’s premises or to create a loan scheme.
The application form can be found here but will need to be printed, completed and posted to their address.
They also require feedback from participants as part of the application process.
From receipt of an application form, they aim to make a decision within 6 weeks.
Individual Application Guidance
These applications need to be completed by the individual together with a referrer who knows the applicant and can act as a point of contact about the grant. A referrer can be a friend or neighbour, support or health worker or someone from an organisation or charity. They cannot be an employer or family member.
The form can be found here and needs to be printed, completed and posted along with supporting documentation to their address.
Supporting documentation includes: a copy of a UK passport or UK birth certificate, or proof of refugee or settled status; a copy of any benefits awards letters; copies of 3 months of bank statements. If the applicant no longer has access to their documents because they have fled domestic violence, they will waive the requirements for supporting documentation provided the referrer confirms their eligibility regarding their residency status and low income level.
From receipt of an application form, they aim to make a decision within 6 weeks and will be in touch with the referrer to advise the outcome.
Individual applicants are asked to complete a short feedback form with their initial application and again one month after they have received the equipment.