Helping people get online
Does your business work with digitally excluded people in Cornwall?
We’re on a mission to help everyone in Cornwall to get online.
Why? Because knowing how to use the internet is becoming ever more important as services take their access points online. We want to help everyone to do the things they need to, like:
- accessing appointments, including with the local GP
- managing their wellbeing
- connecting with family to combat isolation and loneliness.
How? By recruiting Community Digital Champions in organisations across Cornwall. They don’t need to be experts, just keen to help people who have no or little internet access with the basics.
We provide FREE:
- nationally recognised training from Digital Unite
- device and connectivity loan scheme
- ongoing support
How can you help? We can’t work with every business, but if your staff or customers are severely lacking in digital skills we’re interested in hearing from you. We might be able to create a digital champion within your organisation.
We can also signpost you to other digital programmes and organisations. Like Imagine If, who are working to create a sense of belonging in local communities by connecting people to the support they need.
Register your interest
Complete our online form below and we’ll be in touch to help you take your next steps.
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The information you provide on this form will be held by Cornwall Council and used by us to provide the service you have enquired about and keep you informed about it.
Your information will not be used for any other purpose by Cornwall Council and will not be passed onto any other third party without your permission.
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If you require this form in a different format please contact digitalincluion@cornwall.gov.uk.
Case study – Blast Clean and Coatings Ltd
Blast Clean and Coatings Ltd are Cornwall’s leading company for professional grit blasting, paint and powder coating. They're based in Longdowns near Penryn.
When the firm's management team identified a gap in staff knowledge around digital skills, they contacted us to find out what help they could get.
After seeing the clear need to help staff get online, a digital champion was nominated and trained within the business. Five laptops were also loaned. This has helped Blast Clean to improve their business operations and community outreach.
As soon as their equipment arrived, Blast Clean set up new systems to:
- better understand their business needs
- explore funding opportunities
- manage health and safety requirements
- set goals for both their business and community activities.
Blast Clean attended Stithians Show. This was to speak with local people and share information about their services and training opportunities.
They have also supported staff members with their digital skills, even setting up a hot desk where staff can access IT equipment for things like:
- completing training
- sending emails
- booking online appointments.
Working in the community
Blast Clean are also working with Imagine If and Cornwall Rural Community Charity. This is to help local adults improve their digital skills. They're holding training sessions where tablets will be used to help boost confidence and digital know-how.
The team are also giving back to the community by providing valuable digital skills, opportunities and resources. So far this includes:
- holding an open day to allow customers and suppliers to learn more about the business. Through Imagine If, the company will use digital tools to offer NHS wellbeing checks and connect with people
- training 50 local people over the next year through Imagine If's Assets for Success employability program. This will help local people see the industry as a potential career path and provide them with the skills they need to succeed
- organising the first Chronic Pain Industrial Pain Café to show people how to use digital tools to manage their pain at work. It will be a relaxed café setting, where people can gain confidence and learn to better manage their pain.
The Digital Inclusion scheme has supported Blast Clean and Coatings Ltd to:
- improve its internal systems
- empower residents in the local community through digital training.