Community Learning and Development Device Fund 2023 (360G-SCVO-a13N2000002VQWYIA4)

Working with people with disabilities for 6 years we identified a learning gap when it came to everyday digital skills, in particular people having the knowledge to create and access emails, fill in online forms, use zoom, access and use internet banking, place online orders and have the confidence to grow these skills. Two members of our staff have recently completed Digital Champion training and we have a small team of volunteers who are able to help them run a digital workshop project we have titled Digital Lives. We currently offer one to one sessions with a digital champion as we have 1 tablet but feel that a group environment with a mix of devices would be more beneficial for people depending on what skills they would like to learn. These workshops will take place weekly and be quiet, patient, informative sessions with no pressure or judgement. The aim would be to grow these workshops and create different classes based on level, amount of support needed and topics requested. Each participant would identify what they would like to learn and have their learning tailored around that. Certificates would be issued at the end of each level of learning and everyone will be encouraged to move on to the next level and continue to expand their skills and knowledge. We have a good relationship with our local college and would meet with them regarding getting people ready for further education or completing their online courses with the support of our project. Our project is aimed at people with disabilities, their carers, elderly people and people who may not have access to digital devices due to financial or social disadvantage.