Dedicated hubs will be created across public spaces where residents can go for digital support, such as getting online or filling in an online form.
Organisations across the borough gathered on Wednesday to pledge their commitment to making Oldham one of the most digitally inclusive towns in the UK.
Working in collaboration with community interest company, Inclusive Bytes, Oldham Council will work collectively with partners to increase the number of residents who can access digital services 15 minutes from home.
Thanks to £70k of funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Inclusive Bytes will work with partners to encourage organisations to create a clear digital support offer for residents as part of a joined-up approach for our borough.
A key part of this will be the creation of H.O.O.T Hubs (Hands On Opportunities in Tech) – dedicated hubs across public spaces in Oldham that residents can go to for digital support, whether that be help getting online, filling in an online form or accessing digital resources.
The funding will also be used to promote awareness of social tariffs and increase the number of organisations across the borough that have dedicated digital champions and data banks.
Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability said: “The launch of this initiative is a pioneering step forward for defeating digital poverty in Oldham. We have made a clear commitment today to addressing and fixing the issues that lie at the heart of challenges our residents face daily.
“Not having access to digital services has a day-to-day impact from health, education, work to finances and we’re grateful to be investing this funding to establish Oldham as one of the most digitally inclusive boroughs in the UK.”
The launch of today’s initiative builds upon the council’s existing digital inclusion offer including skills, devices and data. More information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp
Two months ago we launched our successful Donate IT Oldham campaign supported by Tameside Community Computers to provide our most vulnerable residents with refurbished devices that the public no longer used or needed. Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue their support for Donate IT Oldham, by donating any unwanted devices at any of Oldham’s libraries or by emailing digital.gifting@oldham.gov.uk
Andy Powell, Co-founder at Inclusive Bytes, said: “The digital divide can only be narrowed by understanding the problems that people face – only then can we empower individuals and organisations to make better use of technology.
“Technology isn’t for specialists; everyone can and should have access to digital support and be empowered to help friends, family and neighbours to make the most of it too.”
For more information about how you can do your bit to defeat digital inclusion in Oldham visit www.hoot.inclusivebytes.org or contact support@inclusivebytes.org