Together.ly Joins Forces with MySight York to Break Barriers in Visual Support

Originally, My Sight York's services were heavily reliant on in-person interactions. Their home visiting service offered personalised face-to-face support, while group activities took place at their center, enabling vibrant community gatherings. However, when COVID-19 struck, these methods were no longer viable. Forced to adapt rapidly, they transitioned to phone-based services. Their existing phone system allowed for group calls, but the process was cumbersome and flawed. One missed call could disrupt a session due to voicemail interruptions, and staff faced an immense administrative burden—sending reminders, removing participants last-minute, and managing ever changing contact lists.

Recognising the need for a more effective solution, In a stroke of luck, My Sight York found Together.ly during a conversation at a visionary conference. This platform seemed to tick all the boxes, promising to streamline both group activities and befriending services in a way that made sense for their specific needs.

Transitioning to Together.ly was a carefully considered process. MySight York focused on getting the technical setup right, particularly with integrating their Meeting Owl—an important tool that allowed them to host hybrid meetings, bridging the gap between in-person and remote participation. This feature was crucial for their support groups, facilitating seamless interaction between those at home and those visiting the center.

With Together.ly up and running, MySight York found themselves able to reach further than ever before. Where once their support was limited by geography, now they could include isolated individuals—be it those confined to their homes or those simply living too far away to visit regularly. This newfound connectivity was a game-changer, breaking down the barriers of isolation and fostering a more inclusive community network.

Perhaps one of the most significant transformations was the simplicity of call participation. For the visually impaired, inputting complex codes was a daunting task. Together.ly eliminated this hurdle, allowing clients to join calls effortlessly. This not only improved accessibility but also ensured that all service users could engage fully and confidently in group activities.

The impact on MySight York’s befriending service was transformative. During the pandemic, when isolation was at its peak, Together.ly offered a much-needed bridge to connection. Simplifying call procedures and protecting privacy meant volunteers could reach isolated individuals with ease. An unexpected hero in this narrative was Together.ly’s 'no contact' report. It pinpointed gaps where communication had faltered, saving staff from the tedious task of manual follow-ups and allowing relationships to blossom naturally. Volunteers were free to focus on fostering meaningful connections, knowing they were supported by a system that made everyone's life simpler.

Beyond improving user experience, Together.ly revolutionised MySight York’s operations. Manual reporting was a thing of the past, replaced by automatic call tracking that lightened the administrative load. This efficiency freed the team to dedicate more time and resources to what really mattered—connecting with and supporting their community.

Embracing Together.ly has allowed MySight York not only to adapt to a changing world but to expand their reach and reduce social isolation in meaningful ways. This journey has opened new avenues for the charity, blending the agility of technology with the warmth of human connection.

Inspired by MySight York’s story? See how Together.ly can enhance your organization’s efficiency and impact. Reach out today to explore how our platform can help you connect, support, and grow.