Digital & IT
Published: October 1, 2024 | Updated: 1st October 2024
Winchester City Council is rolling out a new programme aimed at tackling digital exclusion and improving digital skills across the district.
The Essential Digital Skills development programme, which launches on Monday (7 October), is designed to help residents of all ages and backgrounds improve their confidence and build resilience in navigating the digital world.
The initiative focuses on empowering residents by enhancing access to education, employment, and volunteering opportunities, while also helping older generations feel more connected in today’s digital landscape. Participants will have the chance to learn vital skills that can open doors to higher-quality jobs and further training within Winchester.
Councillor Lucille Thompson, Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Research tells us that the Winchester district suffers from the digital divide and digital poverty just as much as other parts of the country; 84 per cent of respondents to the Economy Team’s A Digital Winchester District survey agreed that digital skills tutoring and sessions would be helpful.”
She added: “The Essential Digital Skills development programme is a great initiative that tackles the root causes of digital exclusion and will help our residents to get online safely and securely to discover all that digital has to offer, from keeping in touch with friends and relatives to applying for a job.”
In partnership with Hampshire-based digital training specialists WorkAdvisor Ltd, the programme will provide tailored one-to-one sessions and workshops, with Microsoft Office-accredited courses available. Refurbished laptops will also be provided to help build confidence and competence in using digital platforms.
Philip Price, Director of WorkAdvisor Ltd, said: “We will be in the community delivering this development programme until the end of January 2025. District residents will gain experience in the basics, for example, how to use a laptop, set up and use email, as well as useful everyday applications like managing health, shopping, banking, and paying bills.”
Price also mentioned the opportunities for progression: “Residents will experience how to search and apply for jobs, as well as some fun things! There will be the opportunity for free progression courses and self-paced learning for all.”
The project is supported by £50,000 in funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. With 22 per cent of UK adults lacking essential digital skills for everyday life, according to NHS Digital, the initiative is timely and expected to have a lasting impact on the community.
To learn more, or to register for a one-to-one or group workshop, visit winchester.gov.uk, email [email protected], or call 02381 550223.
