Published: Wednesday 20 October 2021
As part of Get Online Week this week, Kensington and Chelsea Council have unveiled the K&C Digital Inclusion Partnership.
Dedicated to getting residents online and ensuring that no one is left behind digitally, the partnership has organised several opportunities for those who have access to the internet to help their fellow neighbour.
One of a few ways digitally aware residents can help others get online is to donate an old device, volunteer their time, or connect digitally excluded residents with local services and resources.
The partnership includes LOTI, the NHS, Westminster City Council and other third sector organisations, determined to tackle three key areas of digital exclusion: understanding need for those who are digitally excluded, providing devices and access to the internet, and improving confidence and skills online.
Cllr Mary Weale, Lead Member for Finance and Customer Delivery said:
“Over the course of the pandemic, the internet has been a massive resource for our communities to stay connected with family members, access new opportunities, get involved in Council matters, and so much more. Ensuring that everyone can get online and can do so easily is the aim of the K&C Digital Inclusion Partnership is all about.”
“Our work on digital inclusion is only just getting started and I’m excited its potential to make a positive difference to the lives of many of our residents.”
During the pandemic, Kensington and Chelsea Council has helped elderly residents connect with family and continue to keep up with local community matters online. The resident engagement team has been of great help with this, specifically aiding older residents Kathy and Jill use services like Zoom to stay involved in community matters.
Local resident Kathy said:
“I barely used my computer and if I did, it was to place a Tesco order. My skills were rubbish. During the pandemic however, one of the meetings I would regularly attend started to take place online and I wanted to be involved. I called the Council’s resident engagement team and then spent hours on the phone with someone walking me through each step.”
“I kept saying I would never get it as technology is not my best friend, but I eventually got it. And the Council was so supportive, patient, and helpful with getting me on Zoom. Their help was invaluable and now I can even do a few more things like listen to my favourite rock music on YouTube or search things on Google.”
Make a difference in someone’s life and help them get digitally connected.