If you would like to book a tour or enquire about one of our homes, please click here

Activities and engagement

Eating and drinking

Future care planning

Hearing

Mobility

Phone accessibility

Sleep

One-touch calling on an Android

Sometimes you might find it difficult to look for the person you want to call in your contacts, you can set up a one-touch calling shortcut, which allows you to call this person simply by tapping on the shortcut.

If you are using an iPhone, take a look at this video.

In partnership with

 

Play Video
01
Once you unlocked your phone, tap on 'Play Store'. It is a white icon with a colourful triangle on it.
02
Tap on 'Search' at the bottom of the screen.
03
Then, tap on the search bar at the top of the screen.
04
Type and search 'Actionblocks'.
05
The app you need to download is called Action Blocks by Google LLC. It’s a free app and does not come pre-installed. Tap 'Install' and wait for the app to finish installing.
06
Once it has finished installing, tap on 'Open'.
07
When you open the app for the first time, agree to the Google Privacy Policy that appears. You may also be asked to grant the app certain permissions so it can work properly. Just tap 'Allow' or 'OK' if it asks you.
08
Then, tap on 'Create action blocks' when you reach the app set up.
09
Tap on 'Phone Calls'.
10
An action box will be available for you to enter your command. This will feed straight to your phone, so make sure it is very specific.
11
For example, if a contact has both a mobile and a home number, type 'Call' + person’s name + 'mobile' to call the mobile number. Type 'Call' + person’s name + 'home' to call the home number.
12
Tap on 'Next'.
13
The phone will now give you a pop-up to allow you to test your command. Tap on 'Test'.
14
The phone will start to test it out automatically and call the person that you specified.
15
Then, hang up the call and tap the back button at the bottom of the screen.
16
A pop-up will appear asking if the action worked as you expected. Tap 'Yes' if you're happy with it. If not, press 'No, edit action'.
17
Press on the 'Next' button.
18
Give your action block a name, e.g. 'Call Jane'
19
Now you can choose how the icon will look like. Tap on the blue camera next to the green phone.
20
Your phone will allow you to choose a picture from your photo library, or take a picture with your camera.
21
When you are happy with how it looks, tap on 'Save action block'.
22
A pop-up screen will show up, asking if you want to add the action block to your home screen. Press 'Next'.
23
The, tap 'Add' to add it to your home screen.
24
A pop-up window will appear, confirming action block was placed on your home screen. Tap 'Go to home screen'.
25
Your one-touch calling icon will now appear on your home screen like an app.
26
Tapping it will instantly call the person you selected.

Meet our experts

Charley Landsman

Charley, with a background in teaching, has worked in both educational and community settings, specialising in helping older adults build confidence with technology. Her work has given her a real understanding of the challenges people face when learning new skills later in life, and she enjoys finding simple, practical ways to make technology feel less daunting.

She has created and delivered workshops on topics such as smartphone use, online safety, and everyday digital tools, always adapting her approach to suit different abilities and learning styles. Charley joined JC Explore in 2024, bringing with her a patient, approachable teaching style and a passion for making technology accessible to everyone.

Max Bianconi

Max has worked in the health and social care setting for the past twenty years, gaining extensive experience in supporting individuals and groups in residential and community settings across various roles.
Currently, Max manages JC Explore, a service that provides digital skills training for everyday life using mainstream and assistive technology. In addition to his role, Max serves as a trustee at the Karten Network, a charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and independence of adults with congenital or acquired physical, cognitive, sensory, learning disabilities, or mental health issues through a network of IT centres.
Max is passionate about assistive technology and its impact on people’s lives. He believes that promoting independence and social inclusion leads individuals to a more meaningful life.

Was this useful? Please let us know

Other topics you may be interested in

Hand Massage

Mealtime checklist

Better sleep - night time check list

Assisting someone with a standard mould hearing aid

Join the Reach community

register now

Get in touch with Reach

contact us

Reach team of experts

meet the team

The resources available are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances.  The resources are for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Full terms and conditions.