A lack of digital skills and access can have a huge negative impact on a person’s life, leading to poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation, less access to jobs and education.
It can mean paying more for essentials, financial exclusion, an increased risk of experiencing poverty. People who are digitally excluded also lack a voice and visibility in the modern world, as government services and democracy increasingly move online.
What’s more, it’s those already at a disadvantage – through age, education, income, disability, or unemployment – who are most likely to be missing out, further widening the social inequality gap.
PSBL recognises that there are three types of digital exclusion: access to a device, access to Wifi and having digital skills to do what you need or want to do online.
Access to devices: we are on the lookout for ways of getting devices and will be updating here
Access to Wifi: currently we have one wifi router that we are loaning out to Bridges homeless project in Memorial Church and the free community cafe at Four Square Church. It is available for other places to borrow and we can buy more. Volunteer opportunities are available in this project. More info here
Help with digital skills: In 2022 we are building up a team of volunteers helping family, friends and neighbours with their digital skills. We are partnering with Skills Enterprise on this as they have experience of helping digital champions to feel more confident. We have run a digital training session to sign people up to Learn My Way (great, simple online course) and find champions at New City School and at Memorial Community Church Plus Centre.
Please do get in touch if….
You would like to help us with the Wifi router initiative or the digital champions, or you know people or groups that need help or you have ideas to help us. info@psbl.org.uk / 07922 712214