A DEAF resident has told how his life changed when he was able to communicate with those close to him during lockdown.

Bridport resident John Phillips, 76, received a free smartphone on Christmas Eve as part of a council initiative to help digitally connect those in need.

Previously, Mr Phillips' only method of communication had been sign language - and spending nine months in isolation as a result of the multiple coronavirus lockdowns, he had very little contact with people and this brought his mood down.

With support from the Millbrook Healthcare sight and hearing team in Dorchester, he learned to use his smartphone to communicate with people he hadn't been able to speak to for the entirety of the pandemic.

Mr Phillips said: “The phone has been an absolute life saver; it’s opened up a whole new world to me and I’m so grateful to have it. It took me a while to get to grips with it but I’m getting there.

“The best part has been contacting my friends again through WhatsApp because I had no contact with them for so long."

“I’ve been able to communicate with my oldest friend of 45 years for the first time in more than a year. We send each other videos and messages and it’s been wonderful.”

In the first few weeks after receiving the phone, Mr Phillips was in contact with key workers who were able to stay in touch with him over Christmas and the new year.

By March, his confidence had grown to the point that he could reconnect with friends through text messaging and connect with fellow sign-language users via video call.

Mr Phillips is one of 50 people in Dorset who have received, or will receive, a free tablet or smartphone thanks to a new initiative, courtesy of Dorset Council and the Good Things Foundation charity.

20 devices are currently being distributed to people in the county who have learning disabilities.

Dorset Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, said: “It is truly inspiring to hear stories like John’s and how digital has helped improve people’s lives.

“The Covid pandemic has shone a light on not only the importance of digital in modern life but also how transformative it can be.

“And people like John show it’s never too late to embrace new technology.”