The flexible and adaptable nature of Digital Champion programmes makes them ideal for these sectors. And their organisational set-up means the programmes can get going swiftly and start making a difference.
Why Champion programmes?
These organisations share core features that make Digital Champion programmes ideal.
- They work with those most at risk. Everyone needs digital skills but digital exclusion often hits those hardest who are already marginalised. That might be by age, income or a disability, as those with any kind of impairment are two and half times more likely to lack digital foundation skills.
- They have an existing infrastructure to help beneficiaries or residents, often provided by a mix of staff and volunteers. These are ideal people to become Champions, they just need the right training and resources.
- They know their beneficiaries. Some projects have great intentions but struggle to connect with the people they want to help. Charities and housing associations are directly connected to them and as soon as they have trained Champions, they can start making an impact.
Our first Housing Association
Our first Champions programme ever started in a Clarion housing scheme where our trainers were helping residents use computers. Some residents were so enthused, the trainers started training them to help other residents. That was in 2012. We're still supporting Champions and Clarion Futures are still running Champion projects...
Charities we work with
The charities who use the Digital Champions Network range in size from small, hyper- locals to national bodies.
Sometimes they are organisations whose primary remit is digital, like Citizens Online. Others might be motivated by inclusion more generally, like Renaisi; have a specific goal, like Inspira who help job-seekers, or want to upskill volunteers and staff as well as beneficiaries, as at Mencap.
Getting Started
How can you get a Champions Project up and running?
The experience of Sutton Housing Partnership who joined the Network as part of their commitment to get their 7,500 residents using online services.
Creating content with charities
We've work with partners like AccessibilityNet and Age UK on courses for the Digital Champions Network. We have also co-created entire new programmes, like this one with Mencap, funded by UFI, for adults with learning disabilities.
Joining the Digital Champions Network gives us the infrastructure we need to evolve our digital skills support into a more encompassing and sustainable approach for our tenants.
Team Leader
City West Homes
