How are Local Authorities supporting people with digital skills during the pandemic?
Channel: Citizens Online
Date: 11/05/2020

How are Local Authorities supporting people with digital skills during the pandemic - and what more could be done?

Citizens Online helps organisations ensure the switch to online doesn't exclude people. We're a digital inclusion charity with 20 years experience.

On Thursday 7th May at 11am we discussed how Local Authorities can support people with digital skills during the pandemic - with examples of how local councils are doing this already. The information will also be useful to local councillors, anyone working at a local authority, and anyone wanting to volunteer as a Digital Champion to help.

The video includes presentations from Citizens Online, Sally McMahon from Brighton and Hove City Council, and Penny Sydall from Dorset Council. It also includes the Questions and Answers, and pointers to resources.

We know that people who are most at risk for Covid-19 are also most likely to be digitally excluded: people who are older and/or disabled people are less likely to be online, they are also less likely to have devices to access the internet, and they are also more likely to have low digital skills or no digital capability at all.

But we've also seen a huge number of support initiatives emerge. And we know that Digital Champions who were working in libraries and other support locations are no longer able to - but are probably desperate to put their skills and experience to good use at this time.

We are running a series of free online events on how to support people with digital skills during the pandemic. For full details and links to register go to: https://www.citizensonline.org.uk/events