We’re building a network of Community Digital Champions to help people in Cornwall to get online and stay independent.
We’ve already had over 100 local organisations sign up. Will you be next?
To support these Digital Champions, we also offer free loans of the most up-to-date devices. This includes laptops, tablets and mobile wifi.
Our Community Digital Champions network is free to join and offers:
- licences for up to 10 staff and volunteers to train as Digital Champions
- access to award-winning training on the Digital Unite platform. 25+ e-learning courses to help your staff and volunteers provide digital skills support
- bite-sized, online learning that you can access whenever you need.
- CPD accredited courses, backed up by hundreds of curated resources, session plans and training tips.
- a project management framework, with support to get your programme started, run it and measure impact.
- a shared community of practice, with forums and meet-ups for Champions and Project Managers to improve skills and share ideas.
“I have helped a young man gain a place on a college course after I assisted him to fill in his application using his laptop.” - Current Community Digital Champion
Who can become a Community Digital Champion?
A Community Digital Champion helps others learn how to access the online world. You do not need to be a technical expert, just someone who can help with the basics.
Digital Champions can be people who already work with residents who would benefit from learning new digital skills. Or they might be volunteers giving time to help isolated people get online.
Digital Champions play a crucial role in helping people to develop their skills and confidence online.
“I have supported a 93-year old woman who is visually impaired to apply for a blue badge online. I took one of the loaned laptops to her house and sat with her to complete the online form. Being able to take the equipment to her was very helpful as she lives rurally…” - Current Community Digital Champion
We particularly welcome applications from organisations supporting people to:
- improve health and wellbeing
- stay independent
- combat loneliness
- find work
- improve life chances.
Community Tech Loan Scheme
Once your community Digital Champion has completed the initial training you can access our free tech loan scheme.
If your organisation works with digitally excluded people in Cornwall, you should be able to borrow laptop or tablet devices. You can also ask about borrowing MiFi units and unlimited data for up to one year.
Loaned items can be used to help anyone you’re supporting on a regular basis who is either digitally excluded or lacking basic digital skills.
How it works
Loans are made on a rolling monthly basis and usually continued in return for an update on how the devices are being used.
To take part you’ll need to nominate a Community Digital Champion within your organisation to act as the main point of contact. They'll also need to submit a short monthly report and deliver basic digital skills training to their service users.
We reserve the right to ask for the return of items if monthly reports are not received.
Find out more
Whether you’re ready to get involved or you’re not sure yet, we’re here to listen.
Complete our online form below and we’ll be in touch to help you take your next steps.
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If you require this form in different format please contact digitalincluion@cornwall.gov.uk.