As we approach the end of #Digitober, we spent time supporting people who aren’t online to break the barriers to being digitally connected, and we are seeing tangible progress.

Too many people are cut off from jobs, services and everyday support simply because they struggle with access, devices or confidence. In the UK, around 6% of households (about 1.7 million) don’t have home internet access at all, and nearly one in four adults (24%) say they are digitally excluded in some form, lacking access, skills or confidence.

With this reality in mind, each session this month aimed to do three things:

1) identify individuals’ digital-barriers;
2) give them tools and support they can use;
3) strengthen their path to work and improved wellbeing.

We worked side-by-side: setting up new laptops, installing Chrome, learning how to hotspot a phone; helping with maps for essential appointments; logging into accounts with ease and reconnecting hearing aids via Bluetooth to make calls easier.

One learner told us:

“I’m so pleased with how much I’m getting done just coming here to focus every week.”

A big win was we ensured each person on the job sessions left with something tangible, updated CVs, cover letters, and a USB stick (plus email back-up) so the work they’ve done doesn’t disappear. They go away with real assets. As a team, we have been a bit anti USB sticks but listening to people and what matters to them has always been part of what we do and we heard that having access to their work is really important.

Another win was the one-to-one support was vital for this group of learners, helping them feel safe and supported, down to our exceptional digital champions supporting at all sessions.

This month we have tested the format too, for one group we asked whether they preferred weekly sessions or back-to-back days. Most said weekly gave them time to reflect and practice; a few preferred consecutive days for stability. So we gave it a go and this insight will shape future design.

At the heart of the work remains the same: bridging the digital divide so people can engage with support, apply for work, live healthier, connected lives.

Thank you to Stockport Homes, Stockport Council, WEA and Stockport Libraries for supporting this month to deliver on the ground digital delivery to people within our town.

Here’s to more learning, more confidence, more connection in November.