Four existing community hubs in Brentwood will soon offer digital support services.
These new hubs will ensure no one misses out on digital opportunities due to a lack of connectivity.
They can help residents access vital support online, such as the NHS app and council services.
They come from a collaboration with Brentwood Borough Council using £10,000 of Local Community Funding.
St Peter’s Church is the first site to launch its digital hub. It can now support residents with digital devices and skills.
Three more sites will add digital support to their resident offer over the coming months. These are Maple Hall, Brentwood Theatre and Ingatestone Library.
We have helped each hub join the National Digital Inclusion Network. This lets them provide free pre-loaded SIM cards through the National Databank.
They will also be able to provide free digital skills training using Learn My Way. This is an online platform that helps people gain basic digital skills.
The platform delivers bite-sized modules on topics such as:
- creating an email account
- video calling
- social media
- online safety and scam awareness
The digital hubs will also use the pilot digital triaging tool which we are rolling out in June.
Residents that might need help getting online can visit St Peter’s Church and make the most of the support.