Latest update from Digital Communities Wales

Hello and welcome to the latest Digital Communities Wales newsletter!

If you have any problems clicking the links please e-mail marketingteam@cwmpas.coop.

‘Follow’ us on X and ‘Like’ our Facebook page.

Contents:

News

Support

Resources

Events

Free digital skills sessions

Scroll down to read this month’s edition.

News

The connection between economic inactivity and digital exclusion
This episode delves into practical solutions for addressing economic inactivity and explores both local and national strategies for overcoming barriers and fostering digital inclusion. In this episode of Digital Futures for Good, Good Things Group CEO, Helen Milner interviewed Rt Hon Alan Milburn about the Pathways to Work Commission Report’s findings on social inclusion, economic re-engagement, and digital accessibility.
—

UK Government pledges more digital inclusion as rural Wales gets phone mast boost
Seven upgraded masts have gone live across rural Wales to help improve 4G signal for homes and businesses. The Technology Secretary said he is “committed to boosting digital skills no matter where people live” following the unveiling of new government-funded mobile phone mast upgrades in rural Wales.
—

More O2 stores join National Databank to provide free mobile data to those in need
More than 300 O2 stores are now part of the National Digital Inclusion Network as National Databank Hubs helping people to get online and stay connected. It comes as new research reveals almost a quarter of Brits on low incomes (those with a household income of less than £15,000) are struggling to afford their mobile phone bill.
—

Digital system for managing cancer data in Wales takes important step forward
A digital system for managing cancer data in Wales has taken an important step forward after new electronic forms were implemented. The eForm introduction marks a major milestone for NHS Wales, which has been working to replace the obsolete Cancer Network Information System Cymru (CaNISC) to ensure cancer patients in Wales, and clinical teams across the country, have a modern and fit for purpose cancer clinical record to work with.
—

Neurodiversity referrals and assessments – exploring digital solutions which meet user needs
In this blog post, Centre for Public Digital Services discuss how they are exploring digital products to help make the Welsh Government neurodivergence referral and assessment more effective and efficient.
—

Support

Digital Confidence Powys
10% of the population of Powys are not online, compared to a national average of 7%. This project, which is funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund, will benefit individuals in Powys who find themselves digitally excluded or lacking in digital confidence and want to know more about the digital world. For more information and to see our events programme, visit our website and feel free to get in touch dcpowys@cwmpas.coop or call 0300 111 5050.
—

Digital Confidence Denbighshire
In April, Digital Confidence Denbighshire were given additional Multiply funding to provide training on how to manage money and budget effectively online. For more information, visit our website.

The project also distributes digital devices to those who are at risk of digital exclusion. Devices include laptops, tablets, mobile phones, or even smart speakers and headphones. If you know of anyone in Denbighshire who is left behind due to lack of access to technology, please visit our website for more information and the referral application form.
—

Family Fund – technology grants and digital workshops
Family Fund offer digital skills support to help families raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child to make the most of Family Fund technology grant and learn new online skills. Find out more on Family Fund’s website.
—

Resources

Digital Inclusion Evaluation Toolkit
This toolkit explores the steps that any community group or organisation could take in order to evaluate the impact of a digital inclusion project, or pieces of digital inclusion activity. It looks at what evaluation is and why it’s helpful for digital inclusion, what the principles of good evaluation are, and it explores the basic building blocks needed for evaluating digital inclusion work. This toolkit shares some examples resources and case studies, alongside tips for analysing your data.
—

National Digital Inclusion Network
Good Things Foundation’s National Digital Inclusion Network is made up of thousands of grassroots organisations that are all working to deliver digital inclusion support in their local communities. In Wales Good Things Foundation works in partnership with Digital Communities Wales.

If you’re a community organisation that is or wants to support your community members to get online and access the benefits of digital – then joining the network will help you do exactly that. It is free to join and offers a range of free services, such as:

• Access to the National Databank and National Device Bank
• Free training and resources
• Networking opportunities
• Access to the online learning platform, Learn My Way. The Welsh platform can be found here.

The network is open to any organisation that is delivering or wants to deliver digital inclusion support. Find out more and sign up here or contact hello@goodthingsfoundation.org for more information.
—

How to help someone you know get online
Use this map to search for somewhere near you for support in using the internet safely. The interactive map shows places you can go for support to develop your basic digital skills, use a device and access the internet. The map allows you to search by postcode for places to either go yourself or signpost those in need of support such as libraries and community centres.
—

Events

Why should your organisation join Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales?
Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales (DIAW) provides a unique opportunity for organisations to come together, collaborate, and have a meaningful impact in bridging the digital divide. The video testimonies of our members Cadi, Jo, Scott, Marcus, and Hannah, highlight the numerous benefits of being a part of this network.

If you are looking for further information about the Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales you can find out more here. If you want to watch the recordings of previous DIAW Network meetings, you can find them here. If you would like to join the DIAW, please get in touch diaw@cwmpas.coop or visit our website.
—

January’s free digital skills sessions

If you see a webinar in English that you’d like delivered in Welsh or vice versa please let us know. We are more than happy accommodate your needs and create bespoke training.

If your organisation has a training need and is unsure whether we can provide that training then please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any problems clicking the links please email marketingteam@cwmpas.coop.

Thank you!

Tuesday 14 January | 2pm
NHS Wales App: Helping people to get online

This session will be delivered in English. If you would like to access the session with a Welsh interpreter, please select yes on the registration form and we will make every effort to provide one.

A training session for members of staff and volunteers to support people to engage with the NHS Wales app.

Digital Communities Wales; Digital Confidence health and wellbeing (DCW) in partnership with DSPP are delivering a Roadshow of Digital Inclusion training sessions in order to support to staff and volunteers to help others to engage with the upcoming NHS Wales App.

The session will cover:

• Helping people to get online and Understanding barriers to people engaging online

• Skills and app features when engaging with the NHS Wales App

• Using digital Accessibility features

• Being safe online

Wednesday 15 January | 10am
Digital Champions: Introduction & helping people to get online

This session will be delivered in English. If you would like to access the session with a Welsh interpreter, please select yes on the registration form and we will make every effort to provide one.

The session will provide you with inspiration and an introduction of what it means to be a Digital Champion.

This session will cover:

• What is a digital champion?

• What to expect from us.

• Examples of inspiring activities.

• What does success look like for you as a digital champion?

• Considering the practicalities of how to support people to get online.

• An overview of digital accessibility.

• An overview of online safety.

Wednesday 22 January | 10am
How digital tools can support people with the cost of living

This session will be delivered in English. If you would like to access the session with a Welsh interpreter, please select yes on the registration form and we will make every effort to provide one.

What you’ll take away from the session:

• Provide advice around data poverty and what support is available to access data and devices.

• Overview of what financial information and support is online.

• Discuss money saving tools available on the Internet, including websites, social media, and community resources.

Wednesday 29 January | 10am
Digital and financial inclusion and the benefits of managing money online

This session will be delivered in English. If you would like to access the session with a Welsh interpreter, please select yes on the registration form and we will make every effort to provide one.

Since April 2024, Digital Communities Wales has been working thematically to provide digital inclusion support for the people of Wales. This session is being delivered by Digital Communities Wales, in collaboration with the Money Guiders Wales Network. This session is all about helping people manage their money online and will overview Money Guiders’ tools as well as the skills required to support people to get online and access them.

During this session we will explore:

• An understanding of the digital skills related to accessing financial information online.

• An overview of the MaPS services available.

• Options for supporting people with their digital skills development.

• Data poverty, what it is and what support options are available to help people get online.