The Paperweight Trust – fondly known as the ‘Jewish community’s Citizens’ Advice’ – is launching a drop-in service to tackle digital exclusion.
Tap into Tech, which has received National Lottery funding, will offer free, in-person sessions, where participants will receive one-to-one support and sessions on accessing online banking, government Gateway accounts and shopping safely online. They will also cover how to navigate the NHS’s online services and local council provisions and advise on how to spot scams.
While attendees are being encouraged to bring their own devices, there will be IT resources available.
Bayla Perrin, Paperweight CEO said: “As more essential services move online, an increasing number of processes become inaccessible for those who most need them, who then become locked out from the simple everyday tasks.”
These, she said, included paying for parking, accessing bank accounts or paying utility bills, as well as complex application forms and “maze-like” local authority and central government websites.
Perrin added: “Thanks to National Lottery funding, we can continue breaking down digital barriers and ensure more people in our community feel confident, connected and supported.”
According to an Ofcom report, 2.8 million people – 5 per cent of the population – don’t have access to the Internet, although they say this figure has more than halved since before the pandemic, which forced many services online. Eight per cent of Internet users said they lacked confidence online.
Ofcom found that people who faced barriers online may have poorer mental and physical health, miss out on employment opportunities and experience social isolation.
Digital exclusion primarily affects older people, those from low-income households and people with limited literacy or English language skills, according to Paperweight.
Nikki Arden, director of operations at Paperweight, said: “Digital access is no longer a luxury; it’s essential. Tap Into Tech is about removing fear and jargon and helping build confidence at [clients’] own pace in a friendly, trusted environment.”
To find out more about Tap Into Tech and how to register, call us on 0330 174 4300 or if you have access to email, you can get in touch on: info@paperweight.org.uk
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