Digital Inclusion

We have established that there is a need for digital inclusion for the residents we support on a weekly basis that have no internet access, computer equipment or Smartphone, so are unable to reach much of today’s information and access to services.  

This would not only involve providing equipment but would include skills training and ongoing support to enable residents to develop confidence and gain skills. We anticipate much of this could be delivered online but that our volunteers might be delivering some basic advice and training from the doorstep where needed.  We have purchased I Pads and have now loaned them to 5 residents, both singles and couple with help provided to set them up and keep them using their equipment to contact family, friends and neighbours both home and away.

Once covid restrictions had ended, regular drop-in training sessions on using Smartphone’s, on accessing services online and on using social media to keep in touch, were established at the local community centre, as well as one-to-one in people’s homes. We are hoping this will continue and grow.

This project is likely to involve professional services and fees from skilled trainers as well as the purchase or hire of equipment for which we have obtained grants from Lyme Regis Town Council and various other organizations.  We were a 2021/22 recipient of the Co-Op’s Grant which we are using to do this.