For several years dedicated teams in Wigan Borough have
been helping thousands of residents unlock their digital skills.
It’s not only helping people build their confidence with technology that can support them with their everyday lives, it’s also tackling social isolation and building new communities.
One such project is the ground-breaking Building Opportunities programme.
“It’s not necessarily about getting qualifications,” explains Josh Hill, a digital inclusion project lead at the Rebuild With Hope Foundation.
“It’s about re-engaging people, bringing them back into the community and helping those who might have become isolated to get out and about again.
“It’s a safe space to meet others, get informed and build confidence.”
The Rebuild With Hope (RWH) name will be familiar for those who have visited their flagship store in the heart of Wigan town centre.
Building Opportunities is a programme run by the RWH Foundation – the charity behind the store – offering opportunities for digital inclusion.
Josh and colleagues are part of the Digital Communities Partnership, a group led by Wigan Council but made
up of a selection of local organisations all focused on improving the borough’s digital skills.
“The digital world is now hard to ignore,” he says. “If you want to move your money, you’ll need an app. Many will even need an app to request holidays at work.
“It you haven’t grown up with this technology it can be a daunting task. And, it’s ever- evolving.
“Even people who have taken the time to educate themselves previously can feel left behind when the technology moves on.”
Building Opportunities offers workshops, mentorship programmes, skills development sessions and practical training. The training covers basics such as getting the best out of your mobile or how to use a laptop or tablet for e-mails, through to more complex skills.
At a recent session, Josh teamed up with Wigan Council’s Digital Wigan team who brought along their virtual reality headsets for everyone to try, both for entertainment purposes and basic confidence building.
“The number of completely digitally excluded people is reducing,” says Josh. “But most people are probably a little bit digitally excluded in some way.
“For example, you might be able to make a brilliant video on your mobile phone but might not know how to use the in-built mouse on your laptop, or you might be great with e-mails, but struggle when it comes to ordering a food shop online.
“The training isn’t about creating digital wizards; it was about helping everyone get by in daily life.”
Stephen Kelly, a warehouse supervisor, joined one of the sessions to learn new skills.
“I live in a first floor flat with my sister,” he says.
“But she’s recovering from a hip operation, and she really needs to be on the ground floor.
“I’m looking after everything for her and it’s all online now; looking for a new flat, renewing prescriptions.
“In the future I’d like to progress at work, possibly into management, but a lot of training is online, and I’m sick of paying to print things off.”
At the end of this course, the Digital Wigan team gifted the participants with reconditioned laptops that had been provided through funding from the Device Bank at the Good Things Foundation.
Other community initiatives across the borough will also be receiving the free laptops over the next few months.
“This training and now the laptop will make a massive difference to me,” Stephen adds. “I’ll be able to do so much more from home.”
Fellow group member Mark Armstrong is a musician who says he has previously not been comfortable with modern technology.
“I’ve always hated it,” he says. “I was never interested in it at school, I don’t even have a TV or radio.”
Mark was drawn to the Building Opportunities programme initially through the yoga and mindful meditation courses.
The friendly, informal atmosphere of the group encouraged him to complete the digital course, much to his own surprise.
“I think my attitude has changed, I’ve learned there are programmes that will help me to produce my music.”
Another group member, Stephen Sharples, has used the sessions to build his confidence after a challenging few years. He volunteers at RBH and is also a single parent who cares for his mum.
“Sometimes I’ve felt like it’s been me against the world,” he says. “But in the last 10 months I’ve achieved more than I ever thought possible.
“I’ve been a shy person all my life, but this project got me up and out again.
“I’ve changed since being here. I’ve become more outgoing as I’ve been meeting people every day. I’m focused on the future now. I have a paid job and I’m getting my driving licence and one day I’d like to be self-employed.
“The laptop I’ve received today will make a huge difference to my family’s life. I’ll be able to help my
daughter with her homework. I feel like it’s another step towards a better future for us.”
The Building Opportunities Programme is funded by WEA (Workers Educational Association) and GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority).
For more information visit Digital Wigan