Digital Inclusion - Roundup from our Networking Event

At our recent VCSE Networking Event on Digital Inclusion, we heard from six speakers talking about how they have made the most of digital technologies to support their communities and what they have done to boost digital inclusion, and make their services more accessible. The afternoon was hosted by Connected Voice Trustee and Practice Manager, Tracy Huitson, who introduced the importance of digital inclusion in her own role at West Road Medical Centre.

Julie Nicholson from Digital Voice for Communities shared their creative approach to giving digital skills training to older people 'by stealth' who may lack confidence in this area. Their projects on history clubs and the DigitalMe programme they run with young people to break down stereotypes are both uplifting and inspiring.

Salha Kaitesi from Teakisi shared the power of blogging and the impact this has had for her own blog about life as an African woman. It's fair to say she's now an expert in this area with an impressive 2 million views a year for her blog. She is sharing her expertise free with the community through a digital skills course in partnership with Good Things Foundation.

Stella Simbo from Success4All offered lots of ideas they have used to help young people study online and keep them engaged. Importantly, how to make use of existing systems that link to one another and allow everyone easy access with the ability to use them even when they don't always have an internet connection.

Lisa Dawson from Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle City Council gave an overview of their impressive partnership project called Get Online Newcastle, which supports people to get online through Newcastle City Library. They have supported 1,100 people and given over 5,500 volunteer hours.

Melissa Girling from Connected Voice Advocacy talked about how they have been looking at how to improve accessibility and their app DIY Advocate, which supports people to advocate for themselves.

Zoe Amar from Charity Digital shared key insights from their latest research report and tips about how to plan for the future. You can watch the video her:

 

The afternoon finished with discussion on different themes relating to digital inclusion - volunteering, vulnerable people, funding, organisational development and disadvantaged communities.

You can read the full event report and notes from the discussions on our website event pages.