Tools, training and support

On this page you will find:

• Access to devices and support
• Basic digital skills support for residents
• Training opportunities and knowledge sharing
• Health, wellbeing and accessibility tools and resources
• Further digital learning
• Share what you know

Access to devices and support

• Tablet Lending Library - Digital Communities Partners have priority access to the Tablet Lending Library, you can refer individuals or request a project loan to help with your digital inclusion projects.
• Device help (external link) is a searchable website created by Vodafone UK to give people access to device guides and manuals.

Basic digital skills support for residents

• Digital Wigan webpages offer advice and information on how to get online and where to gain digital skills
• TechMates support and Tea Party sessions are available to all digitally excluded wigan borough residents.
• Learn My Way is a helpful online learning website to teach people valuable digital skills covering the basics, including using tablet devices, computers, online safety and more.
• Free Online Learning at GCFGlobal contains free, self-paced online courses on technology, work and core skills.

Training opportunities and knowledge sharing

• Become a TechMate volunteer - our TechMates project offers great opportunities for volunteers including experience working with people to help them gain digital skills and confidence and a TechMates Level 3 AQA qualification
• Request digital training and support - our digital inclusion team are here to support you in your digital inclusion journey by offering access to training and support
• Share your knowledge and support - do you have training or support to offer to the Digital Communities Partnership?

Health, wellbeing and accessibility tools and resources

• Self-care contains health and wellbeing information and signposting to services available to Wigan Borough residents.
• Accessibility tools to help residents access council services
• Henshaws Knowledge Village (external link) - offering resources and advice, including technology, apps, eye conditions, benefits and support, life hacks
• RNIB Reading Services online library (external link) - offering book lovers the UK's largest library of books in accessible formats and digital downloads, as well as great reading in DAISY CD, USB and braille
• Communication tools and advice for stroke survivors (external link) ;from the Stroke Association
• How to make your communications age-positive (external link) - Manchester City Council have created advice webpages on standards for age-friendly communications
• Synapptic (external link) design software that's specifically for people with sight loss
• Topp Language Solutions (external link) is a service offering BSL support.

Further digital learning

• Digital resources and learning webpages signpost residents to further learning once they have understood the basics
• iDEA is a great online learning website providing valuable digital skills from the basics to more advanced topics.
• Get Online in Greater Manchester (external link) helps you access local, regional and national support to get online.

Share what you know

We've put together a range of resources for you to access, however these webpages are also a shared endeavour - all partners are welcome to share best practice and knowledge to help grow the resources available and encourage support for the network.