Telly Talk - new videophone service

Telly Talk, a new videophone service, from Sheffield Homes enables customers in Stocksbridge to talk face-to-face with staff based in the city centre without leaving their local area.  The technology allows users to view each other via camera phone and can even be used to take photographs and collect online signatures for form applications, such as disabled driver badges.

 

Customers now don’t have to face a long journey to the First Point Service at Howden House, in central Sheffield, for face-to-face help with services such as housing benefits and council tax.  Instead they can use the Telly Talk service based in the Stocksbridge Housing Office. Telly Talk can also be used for help with other First Point services such as parking fines, planning enquiries, social care services, help around the home, disabled-parking and education services including free school meals.

 

Mrs Beryl Broomhead, who used the service to apply for her disabled badge says

 

“I think it’s a wonderful new service. I suffer from osteoporosis of the spine and can’t walk long distances. The journey into central Sheffield could be quite daunting for someone like me and this new service meant that I didn’t have to leave Stocksbridge to make an application for my disabled badge. It was great, they were able to take my photograph through the videophone and  I could even sign my name on a special pad. I can see myself making a lot of use of the service in future.”

 

Andrea Hurst, Housing Officer at Stocksbridge is also pleased with the service. “Anything that Sheffield Homes can’t help with in Stocksbridge can be dealt with by First Point in the city centre but travelling into the City is difficult for some of our customers and can also be expensive. I’m thrilled that we can now offer such an innovative and helpful service to our customers”.