Wigan Council has supported tackling the digital divide in a relational way.
Opportunities for people to learn basic digital skills takes place at 'tea parties' hosted within communities by community organisations and a network of brilliant volunteers.
The volunteer scheme called TechMates enables volunteers to build positive relationships with people who need support to access the digital world, not only boosting skills and independence but creating new friendships and tackling isolation too.
The 'TechMate Tea Parties' are informal and person-centred, held in community hubs where participants feel at ease.
The number of TechMate Tea Parties has grown to 10 across the borough, held in community settings like pubs, community centres, and sheltered accommodation, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
The TechMates initiative has shown impressive growth with people supported increased by 60%, from 471 to 755 over the past year.
Volunteer hours recorded increased by 78%, from 45 hours to 435 hours, and the hours of available support at sessions increased by 91%, from 134 to 255 hours.
This program has not only provided essential digital support to the community but has also introduced groundbreaking virtual reality experiences.
One participant shared a touching story: “My husband and I both had a go. I requested if we could see a lake from the village we grew up in. We always used to go there and play, but we had not been able to go for a number of years. It was amazing; it brought back so many memories.”