Local residents are plugging into work to make Hammersmith & Fulham more digitally inclusive.
Members from the resident group leading this vital work recently met at Hammersmith Library in Shepherds Bush Road to share next steps in tackling digital exclusion in the borough.
Together with H&F Council, they've developed a new Digital Inclusion Strategy. It sets out how we'll ensure everyone has access to the skills, devices and support they need.
Shepherds Bush resident Martha Stafford, a member of the group, commented on the new plan, saying:
This is a brilliant commitment that will make a huge difference to the residents who need this support, and their ability to become and stay digitally literate."
West Kensington resident Dyan Sterling said: "It'll help simplify many council online tasks and make it more user friendly."
And Mark Bridges from Hammersmith added: "It has been enlightening and rewarding to contribute towards this important work."
Doing things with residents
Recent data on the digital divide shows that 8.5million adults in the UK lack basic digital skills and 1.5million don't have a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The new resident-led strategy will help close the gap in H&F.
We're now working with local organisations to identify those affected by digital inclusion, such as older people, Disabled people, and those with no formal qualifications or work. It will help ensure that new support is available and tailored to those most in need.
Cllr Rowan Ree, H&F Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, said:
As more and more services move online, we're committed to making sure no resident is left behind. This strategy ensures that everyone in our borough has the techniques and technology to thrive in this increasingly digital world.
Other support set to roll out will include:
- affordable devices for residents who need them
- free public Wi-Fi locations across the borough
- access to free SIM cards and improved social tariffs from telecommunications providers
- training opportunities for older people and Disabled residents, including face-to-face and remotely offers
- a new digital champions volunteer network to provide trusted, intergenerational support and advice.
Digital Accessibility Group
Our resident-led steering group works in partnership with the council to improve digital inclusion in H&F.
"I am grateful to the Digital Accessibility Group, a social network in the truest sense of the term, for putting this innovative strategy together," Cllr Ree added. "It demonstrates the council's commitment to do things with residents, rather than to them as we work to make H&F stronger, safer and kinder."
Visit the Digital Accessibility Group webpage to find out how to join the group or volunteer as a digital champion.
