A new digital scheme in Cornwall is helping change lives by teaching people valuable IT skills.
The scheme was set up by Cornwall Council’s Digital Inclusion team who are working with other organisations across Cornwall to support people they work with to learn new skills, as well as providing them with repurposed technology.
Leader of Cornwall Council, Cllr Leigh Frost said:
“We’ve now got over three hundred Digital Champions in more than a hundred organisations across Cornwall, and have loaned out over a thousand devices.
“Figures from 2019 showed that 13% of our residents had never used the internet – in real terms that’s around 45,000 people.”
Ben Hawke, service manager at homeless charity, St Petroc’s said:
“We’ve had some real success stories where people have come in with a real lack of knowledge but have really taken to it.”
Aaron, who was helped at St. Petroc’s said
“I’ve wanted to do stuff like this for years, but I’ve never known how to go about it. So, with the equipment now that’s helped me to do a bit of editing, I’m looking at college now to do a photography course and hopefully set up my own business.”
Ben added:
“I think it genuinely has changed lives, given people the confidence to improve their digital skills.”
Cllr Frost added:
“Aaron’s story highlights just how much these sorts of services can have a positive impact on people’s lives. The way technology is used nowadays means even more of the things we do, like booking doctor’s appointments, require some knowledge of the internet, not to mention a device to be able to access it.
“It’s so important that we do all that we can to support people in this way to help reduce inequalities and reduce social isolation. By working with organisations already supporting Cornwall residents we can make best use of those existing connections, so that more people can access the support they need and increase their independence.”
The scheme is currently focusing on helping people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities, sensory loss and long-term health conditions, as well as older people, informal carers and young people planning the transition from children to adult services.
Businesses and other organisations are urged to come forward to see if they can offer support to their clients and customers so that more people can benefit from the training.
Interested parties can visit our website's digital inclusion pages for more information and to register their interest.