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

• Access For All - Digital Communities Partners have priority access to our Access For All scheme, you can refer eligible individuals for device gifts
• Access to our Tablet Lending Library – Partners can borrow a tablet as a project loan to support organisational digital inclusion initiatives. Please note: this service is no longer resident-facing due to the new Access for All scheme and is strictly for organisational use only. Apply by completing our request a table device form
• Device help (external link) is a searchable website created by Vodafone UK to give people access to device guides and manuals, this is free and can be shared with colleagues or residents. 

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 (external link) 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.