A south Cumbrian charity is launching a new project aimed at addressing the problems preventing people from getting online.
Age UK Barrow and District are launching a new project aimed at addressing four categories of challenges that the Government identified that stops people from going online:
- Access – the ability to actually go online and connect to the internet
- Skills – to be able to use the internet
- Motivation – knowing the reasons why using the internet is a good thing
- Trust – a fear of crime, or not knowing where to start to go online
The project aims to help older adults find their way around the digital landscape, to be more engaged with digital technology and use that technology to help them feel less isolated.
“As more of our lives are being conducted online we need to make sure no one is left behind,” explained Shaun Blezard, Age UK Barrow & District’s new Digital Activities Manager.
“Nearly 80 per cent of people who are digitally excluded in the UK are over the age of 65 and we have learnt during the pandemic that there are a lot of simple ways to get and stay connected.”
The Digital Inclusion Project will be working with people across Barrow, Dalton and Askam and aims to cover the following:
Online Sessions: Age UK will be hosting a wide variety of online sessions for older adults. Starting with an Online Breakfast Club every Monday between 10am and noon and looking at activities that can be held via online meeting platform Zoom such as exercise classes and social groups.
Technology Loan Service: Age UK have a number of tablets available to loan to clients so they can try out being online, get support from our staff and volunteers and connect with family and friends.
Resource Library: Age UK want to work with partner organisations to create a library of helpful resources covering topics like Scam awareness, How to send an email, Yoga sessions to practice at home, Using My GP App which can enable people to connect with their GP practice to order medication and book appointments and much more.
Digital Champions: One of the main reasons older adults drop out of the digital world is lack of personalised one on one support. We will have a team of Digital Champions made up of staff and volunteers who can help clients navigate the digital world. Regular and patient help will create a safer and more welcoming online world for our older community.
If you want to find out more about the project as a participant or partner, to find out how to become a Digital Champion or share any ideas contact Shaun Blezard at [email protected] or phone Age UK on 07565 204401.
