A team of digital champions is now trained and ready to go with the aim of helping to promote digital inclusion and reduce isolation.
The Digital Inclusion Project, a partnership between The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) and Catalyst, will equip community organisations with equipment and expertise to promote the use of technology such as Zoom, Skype and other virtual platforms to help individuals stay connected with friends and family during the continuing restrictions due to COVID.
Organisations including, Age UK, Five Lamps and The White House Care Home have already signed up to the Project and are looking forward to enhancing the experience of their service users.
Natasha Judge Project Lead said ‘‘In these challenging times it is crucial that we work harder than ever to reach those most in need. By working in partnership with Catalyst we hope to support our communities to become better connected to friends, family, and services, helping to improve health and wellbeing.
We know that life has changed dramatically for many, where possible we want to help to develop the skills, confidence, and accessibility of digital inclusion to support positive outcomes and help overcome the challenges we face together.
Together we will make a difference’
Lucy Owens, Catalyst’s Volunteer Manager is overseeing the Project, she said, ‘We recognise the need to be creative in helping people to overcome the isolation which many are feeling while they are unable to meet and mix with loved ones during the pandemic. Our volunteers are really keen to make a difference and help people develop skills, which will make a long-term difference to their ability to access online opportunities, whether it’s video calling, online fitness or keeping up with what’s on offer in the local area’.
