Saying Thank You and Farewell to Una & Graeme from Connect Online
This week we’ll be saying a fond farewell to two much-loved members of the Connect Online project as they head into retirement.
Between them, Una Paterson and Graeme Egan have supported hundreds of older people across Midlothian to build confidence with digital skills, make new friendships, and stay connected.
A combined 25 years of dedication
Una has been part of Connect Online for 12 years, organising drop‑ins across Midlothian, arranging home visits, and supporting our volunteers.
Graeme first joined the project as a volunteer and has now been working with Connect Online for 13 years. His support has been a constant presence across the project, and he has played a big role in keeping our groups going.
MCA has been incredibly lucky to have them both for so long. The impact they’ve made is genuinely hard to measure. From helping people adjust their hearing aids, to setting up grocery deliveries during tough times, to installing smart home devices for people with long-term health conditions – they’ve helped people across Midlothian with life‑changing essential digital skills.
Favourite memories from their time with Connect Online
Graeme told us that one of the things he’s enjoyed most is our annual Midlothian Volunteer Awards celebration.
“The Volunteer Awards are always inspiring – the breadth of the work, the dedication, how much volunteering there is in our community. Keeping Connect Online going during lockdown was important too. And I’ve really enjoyed meeting and supporting neurodivergent volunteers. It’s great that we can create a supportive environment.”
For Una, the highlight has always been the people.
“The volunteers and the people we’ve met over the years – hearing their life stories and seeing how far they’ve come. Some learners have gone on to become volunteers themselves, and watching their confidence grow has been invaluable.”
What they’ve learned along the way
Both Una and Graeme spoke about how much they’ve learned from the people they’ve supported.
One lesson stands out:
“You’re never too old to learn new things.”
They mentioned Margaret, one of our longstanding learners, who at 96 continues to take on new skills with enthusiasm.
As they put it:
“People’s attitude is the thing that makes the difference. If they’re keen and willing to learn, they’re unstoppable.”
Looking ahead to retirement
Una is looking forward to slowing down a little and spending more time outdoors:
“Long walks with my dog, getting back into the garden, and apparently a bit of volunteering…”
Graeme is planning to return to some old hobbies:
“I’m excited to get back into cycling again and to have more time to spend with friends and family.”
A project built on human connection
Connect Online is about using digital tools to bring people together but at its heart, it’s really about human connection.
During lockdown, when older people were especially isolated, Una and Graeme helped people learn the digital skills they needed to stay in touch with family and friends. They kept Connect Online groups running over video calls, offering support, conversation, and a much‑needed sense of normality during a difficult time.
Their work has helped bridge gaps, reduce loneliness, and make sure older people across Midlothian feel included and supported.
Thank you, Una and Graeme
Everyone at MCA, along with our volunteers, learners, and partners, would like to say a huge thank you to Una and Graeme for their years of hard work, compassion, and care.
We wish them both a very happy retirement!
