Technology

About the programme:

Our Digital Programme was initially created as a response to the lack of digital support available post Covid-19. The Digital Programme is currently funded for 3 years and is in its second year. Early 2021 we identified that there was a lack of opportunities for people to access the vital help and support that was need to access online resources and important services that had move online due to the pandemic. Digital inclusion and fighting issues such as data poverty have become a key part of the programmes aims and objectives over the last year. The programme operates on a person centred and friendly approach to providing the best possible support for people in Rhondda looking for tech support. The programme has become an essential part of the community providing support to individua’s, community groups and organisations throughout Rhondda. In 2021 we received funding for this program from Moondance.

 

The digital program looks to offer a range of opportunities for people to become digitally engaged with online activities through the support we offer. We look to support anyone in need of some digital support or just seeking some friendly advice about devices people may have. Through a meeting online or safe doorstep conversation we hope to be able to support anyone facing digital issues.

As part of the program, we have a range of different devices available which we loan out to those in need of a device. From 4G enabled tablets to laptops of different sizes, we hope to have a device to get anyone online. If needed we can work with individuals with a device on loan from us to help them get used to doing online tasks and become familiar with using a device safely.

To support the program, we take in donations of any unwanted or unused devices you may have at home. We aim to tackle the issue around these devices being stored away or kept in a cupboard and repurpose them for people who are digitally excluded. these are a great support to the project and are used in our workshops, device loan options and help recycling old equipment. 

Thanks to The Good Thing’s Foundation, we’re an online data centre which allows us access to Vodafone, O2 and Three Simard’s. We can provide these to community members and groups to use for accessing the internet on a device for things like job searching, connecting with family, friends, staying connected online and for education purposes. 

To be eligible for a sim card an individual must be 18 years old or older with no access to the internet at home or cannot  afford their existing monthly contracts.

We offer a range of digital workshops for people to engage in throughout Rhondda. The workshops cover topics such as online safety, What digital services are online and other topics that are raised to us by members of the community. We look to deliver workshops based on what people need the most and are informed by community members and what’s most important to them. 

We also host event in Rhondda which celebrate the digital world. We were able to host a digital event at Llwynypia college where we invite local universities, schools and business in to the same space for local children to see what digital opportunities are available to them on their doorstep. Keep an eye out on our socials for the next up and coming events!

We are looking for active volunteers to help support us with this project. As a volunteer we would like help with supporting individuals who would receive our devices or to help manage the donations we hope to receive. This is a great opportunity to be a part of especially if you are looking to fill in some Welsh Bac hours or just willing to offer a helping hand!

Where we work:

The programme has worked in many different settings and venues during it’s time including:

  • Community centres.
  • Community partnership venues.
  • Libraries.
  • Warm Centres.
  • Schools/ Colleges.
  • Job Centres.
  • Peoples homes.
  • Online.

The programme has worked in many different settings and venues during it’s time including:

  • Community centres.
  • Community partnership venues.
  • Libraries.
  • Warm Centres.
  •  Schools/ Colleges.
  • Job Centres.
  • Peoples homes.
  • Online.



Feedback

“I can say I feel so lucky to have borrowed this tablet. It's made such a difference in my life and it’s helped me to connect with friends and family. I couldn't have done that without the help from you guys."
Ann
Rhondda Resident
“I needed to access job search websites, access to a laptop and update my online journal for the job coaches at the Job Centre. I was able to do more job searches online and access emails, which weren’t provided by other services.”
John
Rhondda Resident
“What the digital programme is doing is giving people the support at home and the equipment at home too. So, it's not just how to use the digital equipment, it's the whole wrap around service of providing the digital equipment and providing support on how to use it. And giving people the opportunity to access IT at home is invaluable. For some people it can be a real challenge, there can be a real anxiety to go out of the house to access the support. So, for those people this is a real benefit.”
Job Centre
Manager
“I needed a laptop to use for typing up CVs, sending and receiving emails for jobs and university“. I’m now enrolled on a degree course. I’m really grateful. Thank you!”
Andrew
Rhondda Resident

Contact:

If you need any help with anything digital and are looking for friendly and free support please get in touch: 

Email: Ethan@Generationrhondda.org.uk

Phone: 07960 565873

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