Helping our residents bridge the digital divide
We have launched several initiatives to help residents improve their digital skills and gain access to devices with support from the COVID Recovery Fund.
We want to support our residents to gain the essential digital skills and confidence they need to use technology in today’s digital world.
10 million people in the UK lack the most basic digital skills. They are four times more likely to be from low-income households and eight times more likely to be over-65.
Recent studies have shown that internet sales account for more than a quarter of all retail sales, and shoppers who have digital skills can access cheaper prices that are often only available online.
To support this, we have recently bought 50 reconditioned iPads which will be available for residents to use during coffee mornings at our Independent Living sites that have communal lounges.
During our pilot phase, we saw how useful iPads were for residents to be able to browse online shopping sites and play online games.
We have also recruited and trained staff members to become Digital Champions. Our Digital Champions are available at our monthly Tech and Tea sessions (and coffee mornings) and show people how to use the devices and answer questions. In the future, we also hope to recruit residents and train them to become Digital Champions.
Finally, we are also part way through rolling out free wifi to all Independent Living sites with communal lounges.
Free wifi is already available at Milton House, Shearing Drive and Seven Acres and Marfleet, and will be installed at the rest of the sites in future months.
Find out more about our Digital Champions programme