GET CONNECTED 

Here’s a quick look at some of the software you could use to join up with family or friends. We've also included links to help centres for each one so you can find help if you need it. It might be worth testing it out with just one person a day before your party to make sure you are comfortable using it before your big day!

Just because you're staying indoors, doesn't mean you can't connect to family and friends.

Skype

One of the most well-established apps in video calling, Skype is a solid choice that you can you can use across desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile.

Skype help centre  

Facebook Messenger

A group video chat on Facebook Messenger can handle up to 50 people, and displays up to six at once. Plus you get Facebook Messenger’s formidable arsenal of filters to mess about with!

Facebook Messenger help centre  

Zoom

Zoom makes it easy for anyone to join your party via a link that you can share well in advance. It’s currently one of the most popular apps around.

Zoom help centre  

Jitsi Meet

This is a totally free, open source (ie nonprofit) app, which can handle up to 75 party-goers at a time.

Jitsi Meet help centre  

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is fast, simple, secure messaging and calling for free that allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other media.  Suitable for smaller number of people together.

WhatsApp FAQs

Work-from-home tea break parties…

There are lots of business-focused videoconferencing apps that are perfect if your 'party is a work-based one. These include Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business.

Skype for Business help centre  , Microsoft Teams FAQs  

Houseparty

As the name suggests, Houseparty is a bit of a party in itself. You can add to your own fun and games with a series of games within the app, like quizzes and drawing.

Houseparty FAQs  

Facetime

You can only make audio and video calls from an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to other iOS devices ie Apple

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/facetime/id1110145091

This simple, step-by-step guide to video calls will help you get started.

If you need any help to get connected, please call us on 028 90 650 650 or email:  [email protected]