Increased awareness
- Awareness of digital support is low. Need to improve promotion on the website and in the community (directly and via VCSE, PCC).
- Regular analogue promotion is needed such as flyers in the community, plus amplification through PCC channels and the VCSE sector.
- Many community groups and buildings have devices that can be used by the public, free Wi-Fi, and in some cases a member of staff on hand who can informally assist in digital skills, but they are not mentioned on their websites or socials.
- Promote availability of social tariffs for broadband and mobile contracts. Work with private sector providers to ensure visibility.
- Better coordination between different services at PCC and VCSE of what’s available to facilitate signposting. Potentially a digital map for professionals and/or individuals.
Increase capacity
- Combine increased promotion with more volunteer recruitment to expand volunteer-led services.
- Identify venues where digital skills could be taught in situ where the digitally excluded are more likely to be and take expertise (and devices) to those locations.
- Extend opening hours and/or promote locations where opening times include weekends and evenings.
- Increase staffing or volunteers in community venues with visible badges offering informal digital support.
- Maximise grant funding from local and national sources through sharing bid expertise and awareness of available schemes.
