Digital Unite held its third successful Social Forum on Monday 26 March 2012: another opportunity to tackle digital inclusion for residents in social housing. With a wide range of solution providers connecting in a ‘speed dating’ format with delegates from social housing, there was plenty of opportunity for suppliers to understand the barriers that some residents still face in getting to grips with the digital world. We were delighted to welcome Looking Local as our lead sponsor; it was great to see the different ways we can access advice and information through the TV and other digital devices. Home Log Book showed how their product helped to engage customers with different services and increased communication.
Digital Unite’s own Emma Solomon was keen to show how successful the new Digital Champion ITQ has been, for staff development and in underpinning any drive for digital inclusion.
It was a fast paced event with only a quick breather for lunch to enjoy the wonderful hospitality from Microsoft.
Other suppliers were Speedie Computers offering low cost recycled computers, Simplicity IT who have developed products suitable for nervous older users and sheltered schemes and Smarterbuys which offers alternative ways of purchasing goods (avoiding loan sharks and high interest). Also attending were Home Interactive who showed how their ‘box’ turned the TV into a computer, Montal who develop excellent IT systems suitable for both customer and internal use and finally Softcat, who demonstrated their software solutions which help to lower delivery costs. Virgin media made a brief appearance and was keen for everyone to understand the ways Virgin Media are supporting this agenda, but was also interested in understanding what the barriers are in the social housing sector.
Digital Birmingham shared how they had used many of the solutions in the room to tackle the DI agenda in Birmingham and it was great to see these success stories.
Overall the day was busy but informative. As one delegate put it: ‘Great to meet suppliers face to face and hear experiences from other organisations’. We will be publicising the next dates and themes for our autumn 2012 events soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the March event, or about the events in general, please contact Kathy Valdes at kathy.valdes@digitalunite.com.
Special offers!
One other great outcome of the day were three fantastic special offers from suppliers. Find out all about them here.