Digital Inclusion

What do we mean by digital inclusion?

Digital inclusion is about ensuring people are able to use the internet and online technologies to meet their needs. This includes:

Infrastructure – being able to afford or have access to a device (whether a mobile phone, tablet or computer), as well as being able to afford or have access to the internet through broadband, Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Skills – having the ability, confidence and digital skills to use digital devices and the internet. –

Accessibility – having access to services that are designed to meet users' needs, including for individuals with disabilities that require assistive technology to get online.

The DAISI project

Conversations are taking place between the Parish Council, the Digital Inclusion Manager from Gloucestershire Rural Community Council and Charlton Kings Library in relation to the DAISI programme (Digital Accessibility, Inclusion, Support & Innovation). The DAISI programme is focused on assisting organisations to develop Digital Hubs in the heart of the community, including advice and support around cyber security. Online safety and security is a growing problem for all age groups, but there is evidence that this is especially relevant for the under 25's.

DAISI at the Summer Fayre - June 2023

We are delighted to welcome DAISI project staff to the CK Health Connect gazebo at the Summer Fayre on Saturday 17th of June. They will be available to answer any questions you might have in relation to staying safe online, so please pop along on the day between 1pm and 5pm.

Tackling the Digital Divide

In November 21, we held 2 one-hour workshops with senior citizens in our parish, to listen to their experiences and to get a sense of what they find challenging about 'going digital'. This is a joint initiative between the Parish Council, Cheltenham Borough Homes, Charlton Kings Library and the Senior Citizens Welfare Committee.

Firstly, we asked the groups which digital devices they had access to – phone, ipad/tablet, laptop or desktop - secondly we asked if they did not have access to any of these devices, what would they like to have access to. We also asked what they would like to use the internet for e.g online shopping, banking, doctor's appointments, social media etc.

Listening to and understanding the very different needs and levels of skill across our groups of senior citizens has allowed us to develop a plan of action. The plan involves collaboration between our existing partners, community volunteers and other service providers such as Adult Education Gloucestershire. The idea is to offer our residents a one-to-one tailored programme of 'upskilling', as a first step in tackling the digital divide. This is an initiative to ensure that age, disability, income, education or where you live are not barriers to online inclusion.

Digibus Project

As part of the Council's Digital Inclusion project, we were delighted to welcome the DigiBus to Church Piece in Charlton Kings for 2 days in March. The DigiBus is an accessible converted double-decker bus packed with digital technology for visitors to explore. Over the 2 days, the Digibus offered IT based tutorials to individuals and small groups covering a wide range of areas, such as setting up email accounts, online shopping, social connection, especially Zoom and Facetime functionality, accessing community information and relevant websites, including social media platforms.

Going forward we are hoping to build on the success of the Digibus event, and provide continuity of the Parish Council's digital inclusion programme. This will include;

• Maintaining delivery of Adult Education Gloucestershire led digital skills building courses in the Parish Council Offices

• Developing digital skills support programmes 'in-house', within senior citizens housing association complex's, working with all relevant providers, including Cheltenham Borough Homes and Adult Education Gloucestershire

• Organising a volunteer campaign with local library to develop regular 'drop in' advice/help sessions

• Accepting the offer from DigiBus to return to Charlton Kings later in the year – possibly at the alternative location of Holy Apostles or Sixways

For further details on any of the Digital Inclusion activities, please email us at ckhealthconnect@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk