1. Digital Inclusion project
Get Online Reading
Digital Inclusion project
David Neale

2. Background: the digital divide in the UK
21%
of Britain’s population lack the basic digital skills to realise the benefits of the internet
10%
of the adult population may never be able to gain basic digital capabilities
88%
feel more confident after they get help to use the internet

3. The digital divide in the UK
The main excluded groups
Keys to digital inclusion
Older people: nearly half of non-users without internet access are aged over 65
Economically inactive: two thirds of non-users without home access are unemployed
Low-qualified: 62% of those with no educational qualifications are non-users
With disability: 49% of people with disabilities are not online
Access - the ability to actually go online and connect to the internet
Skills - to be able to use the internet
Motivation - knowing the reasons why using the internet is a good thing
Trust - a fear of crime, or not knowing where to start to go online

4. What we're doing to help
Providing regular drop-in sessions at Reading's central library, with volunteers helping visitors with IT – basic computer and mobile device use, web browsing, etc.
Working with partner organisations who can provide additional training as appropriate – Age UK, New Directions
Initial session times:
Tuesdays 2-4pm | Thursdays 2-4pm | Saturdays 10am-12pm
We are rolling out the project to local centres during 2015
The project is sponsored by Reading Borough Council and funded by the LGA

5. Beyond the Central Library...
Sangam Lunch Club, Cemetery Junction – alternate Fridays before lunch
We have provided volunteers for silver surfer sessions at Oak Tree House in Dee Park
In October-December 2015:
Silver surfer sessions planned at Trinity Place, off Oxford Road, for RBC sheltered housing residents
Whitley Digital Inclusion Project – three centres in Whitley & Whitley Wood
Battle Library

6. Beyond the Central Library...
We hope to provide volunteers to help the Indian Community Centre's IT sessions
Partnership with Communicare and Reading CAB, who want to deliver pop-up advice sessions. Most likely starting venues in Coley Park and Amersham Road, Caversham.
Volunteers will be helping Launchpad to refurbish donated computer equipment for use by their clients.

7. Any questions?