From today, Thursday 8 September 2022, charities and community groups are invited to sign up to a new fully funded programme to build essential digital skills in West Cumbria.
Around 13,000 West Cumbria residents* don’t use the internet which means they’re missing out on the huge benefits being online enables. Using digital technology improves access to vital services and information, opens up job opportunities and helps people stay connected.
Let’s Get Digital gives organisations training and support for their staff and volunteers so they can help customers and service users improve their essential digital skills. People who are new to the internet like to learn from those they know and trust, so training frontline staff and volunteers as Digital Champions is an effective way to pass on digital skills.
Let’s Get Digital is funded by Capgemini in the UK as part of the Sellafield Social Impact Strategy, SiX and includes free e-learning and support via our award winning Digital Champions Network. The Network helps people feel confident and supported with helping someone with digital skills. It includes online learning, a discussion forum with other Digital Champions and regular meet ups on relevant topics.
Emma Weston, Chief Executive, Digital Unite said: “It’s fantastic to be able to expand our Digital Champions Network thanks to our ongoing partnership with Capgemini. When individuals learn digital skills, they gain more than IT knowledge; they gain the ability to access crucial services such as banking and healthcare. By bolstering the digital support networks available to residents of West Cumbria, we’ll help more people gain essential everyday technology skills – as part of Capgemini and Digital Unite’s shared commitment to tackle digital exclusion.”
Sally Caughey, Head of Digital Inclusion, Capgemini in the UK said: “Having good digital skills can be life-changing, and Digital Champions can go a long way in bridging the digital skills gap. If staff and volunteers have the confidence and know-how to help people with digital skills, it can establish a valuable support service within charities and community groups. It also contributes to the professional development of teams within these organisations and enables more people to use their online services.
“Our Let’s Get Digital programme is part of Capgemini in the UK’s commitment to the transformation of local communities in West Cumbria and is a rare opportunity to get access to first-class digital champion training and support for free.”
Apply today
To get involved, organisations just need to complete this short application form. Then a member of the Let’s Get Digital team will then get in touch to explain more.
And find out more at our get-together
Join us and other local organisations interested in Let's Get Digital at our Link Up event in Whitehaven. Taking place at The Peddler Restaurant on Thursday 6th October, this informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to find out more about this free initiative and why you should be part of it. Just add your name here: Let's Get Digital Link Up | Digital Unite
For more information call Digital Unite on 0800 228 9272 or email du@digitalunite.com.
*ONS Internet Users 2020.