Casal TV, virtual social centre for older people through interactive television

Ben Schmidt on 7 January 2026

A remote, television-based community service to reduce loneliness and promote well-being among older adults

Casal TV is an inclusive digital service designed to bring community engagement, structured activities and social interaction into the homes of older adults, particularly those experiencing isolation or mobility limitations. The project uses everyday technology, a television connected with a simple device, to create a virtual “social centre” that older participants can access easily without requiring advanced technological skills or a computer.

Through Casal TV, users can take part in live daily sessions that mirror the range of activities offered in traditional day centres. These sessions are facilitated by professionals in socio-cultural animation and psychology and include physical exercise classes such as yoga, tai chi and stretching, cognitive stimulation workshops, memory and game sessions, creative and cultural programmes (music, theatre, arts), and social celebration events that invite participation and mutual engagement.

The core objective of Casal TV is to improve the physical, emotional and cognitive health of older adults while combating unwanted loneliness. The platform places special emphasis on accessibility: an intuitive setup process involving a MiniPC, webcam, and remote control transforms the television into an interactive hub where individuals connect in real time with peers and facilitators throughout the day.

Participants have reported that the service not only helps structure their daily routines but also fosters meaningful human connection and support. Family members often indicate increased peace of mind knowing their relatives are engaging with a supportive community. Casal TV exemplifies how digital tools can be applied in the social-care ecosystem to enhance inclusion and quality of life for older people.

Characteristics of innovation

Aging, Bank of innovations, Independent living, Link with the community, Mental health, New service, New technological tool, Personalization of the service, User empowerment

Location

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Partners / Founders

Generalitat de Catalunya (Department of Business and Labour), economia social

Genesis

Casal TV was initiated by Suara Cooperativa as a response to the high prevalence of unwanted loneliness among older adults and the barriers many face in accessing physical community spaces, the concept originated as part of the cooperative’s innovation work to extend social care through digital means. It was developed under the framework of Singulars Projects funded by the Generalitat de Catalunya, integrating professional facilitation with accessible home technology to bring social activities directly to users’ living rooms.

Level of implementation

By 2025, Casal TV had been formally presented at international forums on social innovation and pilot data indicated that a substantial majority of participants reported feeling more accompanied and engaged after participation. Internal service reporting shows a global participant satisfaction rating of over 9 out of 10, with 97% of users feeling accompanied and actively engaged through the platform’s activities.

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KeyRing, A Community-Based Approach to Independent Living

Ben Schmidt on 5 November 2025

An innovative support model enabling independent living through neighbourhood-based peer networks

KeyRing’s Community Living Networks are an innovative approach to supporting independent living for people with a range of support needs. The model places individuals in their own homes within the same neighbourhood and connects them through a peer-support network. Instead of institutional or residential care, KeyRing builds local groups, typically nine members living in separate flats, who support one another based on their personal strengths and skills. Each network includes a volunteer who also lives in the neighbourhood, within walking distance. This volunteer receives free accommodation in return for coordinating the network, promoting mutual support, and helping members engage with the wider community.

Originally created in 1990 by Carl Poll to support people with learning disabilities, the model has since expanded to include anyone who may need assistance to live independently, including individuals with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, physical disabilities, or those at risk of social isolation. The emphasis is on empowerment rather than dependency: members contribute to the network, develop practical and social skills, and gain confidence through everyday connections.

KeyRing staff provide flexible, tailored support, working alongside the volunteer and local services while avoiding rigid or prescriptive care structures. This includes help with daily living, strengthening community links, accessing public services, or arranging group meetings and shared tasks. The organisation highlights the value of ordinary community life, showing that independence is strengthened when people are connected with neighbours and local resources rather than separated from them.

While KeyRing operates as a social care provider in England and Wales, the model has gained international relevance. Networks inspired by KeyRing principles have also been promoted in countries such as New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Finland, where organisations explore adapting the approach to local contexts.