We are dedicated to supporting Wigan borough residents with access to devices, connectivity and digital learning.
Here are just some of the stories of how Wigan Council and the Digital Communities Partnership are tackling digital exclusion across the borough.
Dynamic Debbie shines a light on TechMate volunteering!
Debbie, from Leigh, has been a Tech Mate volunteer for two years. She talked to us about what inspired her to volunteer, her highlights so far, and the unexpected things that being a Tech Mate volunteer has taught her.
Debbie says:
"I’d been looking for a way to volunteer and give something back, when I spotted the Tech Mate flyer in Leigh Library. I work in software development, so I was drawn to the fact that I might be able to use some of my digital skills and I was already aware of the importance of digital inclusion.
"On a practical level this was also a convenient opportunity for me, as it was in my local area, and it appealed to me that as a Tech Mate you can give as much or as little time as you are able to and adapt your offer if your schedule changes. I reached out to the Digital Wigan team, and they could not have been more helpful. They were clear about the expectations; what we do as a Tech Mate volunteer and what we don’t do, how we approach any requests, and they were supportive with practical things such as arranging my DBS check.
"There have been so many highlights over the past couple of years. It’s a nice social experience as you’re out in your local community and I’ve met lots of different people of different levels of ability. There’s one person I’ve regularly met up with throughout the time I’ve been volunteering and it’s been great to see them progressing. Whereas some people have got themselves so far with something and just need pointing in the right direction so that they can continue to progress by themselves.
"I would encourage anyone to come to one of the Tech Mate tea parties (open sessions in the community) if you need any type of digital support. One thing I’ve learned is that if people are struggling digitally, it’s often mainly a confidence issue, I’ve discovered that people can be quick to talk themselves down.
"The people I’ve met so far often say that they feel stupid asking for help, but I always think that nobody would expect you to drive a car without any training, so if you’ve never been shown what to do with your laptop or phone, how can you be expected to automatically know? It’s not your fault. Being a TechMate volunteer has taught me a lot too. It’s taught me to have more patience; not doing things for people but showing them how to do things for themselves is definitely the best approach.
"I’ve learned that people who need digital support are a real mix of people. Some have been excluded or marginalised in other areas of life, such as not having English as their first language, having ill health or not being able to afford their own device.
"If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, I would say do this in a heartbeat! I know I work in IT, but you really don’t need to be a software developer. Even with my digital experience, I don’t always know how to help someone with their request, but the team are there to support if needed. The main skills you need are some basic digital confidence, the willingness to have a go, and the patience to talk to other people. If you have these simple skills, you could use them to make a big difference in someone else’s life."
Super Sarah - Digital Community Champion
TechMates volunteer Sarah Platt loves helping residents like Marjorie with all things digital.
A stroke survivor with effects such as brain fog, she’s passionate about using her knowledge about the digital world to help others who are less tech savvy.
The former Microsoft employee has now been hosting weekly drop-in TechMate Tea Parties at Ashton Library for over a year.
Sarah said: “It’s very satisfying and it’s very good for me as well because I want to share what I’ve got in there at the minute - and then hopefully people will help me when I need it!”
“Internet safety is the biggest thing for me; I like knowing that people are safe online. There’s a lot of bad things out there and people who are vulnerable or new to the digital age need help to be safe.”
You don’t need to be a genius with computers to be a TechMate - and our Digital Wigan team will give you all the support you need to share your skills with those who need them.
“I’d highly recommend it, it’s so easy to do," said Sarah. "You don’t need to know everything; even if you know just a little bit about something that you’re passionate about it can take you miles!”
Shevington TechMates Tea Party – Digital Dynamic Duo!
Shevington is one of currently eight frequent TechMate Tea Parties that take place across Wigan and Leigh. Shevington Methodist Church is the venue for the session, and as a local resident hub – works as an excellent location to tackle digital exclusion at the heart of the community.
Mother and Son duo Evelyn and Clive never miss the fortnightly sessions, which take place alongside a fortnightly coffee morning, and attribute so much of their digital confidence to the TechMate Tea Party.
Evelyn said “ I’ve gone from strength to strength with it all and I am so grateful to the Council for the service. I now have a smartphone and know how to use WhatsApp, which means I can save money on a data contract as I have WIFI. I’d never have known how to do this before the TechMates!”
Clive added “We’ve been coming for about 12 months and we just love to join the group every single session. I’ve used the website LearnMyWay and with TechMate support learned so much, so I am thankful to the team for that!”
The group has become a pillar of digital peer support for local residents, with a friendly face and basic digital skill support always on offer – oh, and a brew of course!
Digital Wigan show Latics Community Trust a whole new ‘virtual’ world!
Watch this short video to find out what happened when our Digital Wigan team visited Wigan Athletic Community Trust's over 55’s Extra Time group, helped train their volunteers to be digital champions and introduced group members Betty and Carys to the wonders of virtual reality!
If you’d like to know more about the support our Digital Wigan team can offer your community group, please visit our Digital Communities Partnership webpage.
Changing lives for the better – Digital Wigan Device Bank
In partnership with the Good Things Foundation, Digital Wigan have been lucky enough to be successful in yet another round of the Device Bank – a revolutionary digital inclusion offer which sees refurbished donated devices be gifted to digitally excluded residents. The devices range from tablets to laptops, and also come with a 40GB a month data voucher for up to 6 months and accompanying mobile WI-FI router. This in turn, delivered alongside our famous TechMates digital skill programme, hurdles the three main pillars of digital exclusion – access to skills, device and connectivity.
These devices bridge the digital and financial divide – giving access to top quality kit amongst a backdrop of wraparound support on how to best use the technology to increase skills and community engagement.
Louise, who collected her Device Bank pack at Wigan Town Hall, had this to say on the brilliant offer:
“I am very grateful to have been given a laptop, it will allow me to update my CV, which I have been wanting to do for a while. I also have thousands of photos on my phone which are taking up space so now I'll be able to upload the photos onto my laptop to free up space on my phone.
Also the laptop will be used for any further studying that I do and to do research that my children need for their school work.
Stephen’s story
Stephen was referred to the Tablet Lending Library and TechMates scheme because he was keen to learn digital skills to help him gain employment and connect with family living abroad.
Find out how Wigan Council is helping Stephen to achieve his goals.
Appy Days with Happy Timers CIC
Happy Timers CIC, a member of the Digital Communities Partnership talks about what they are doing to tackle digital exclusion, and the importance of social inclusion to enrich lives.
Nate receives his Level 3 AQA in TechMate Volunteering at Wigan Town Hall
Digital Inclusion Officer Alex was beyond proud to hand TechMate volunteer Nate with his well earned and deserved Level 3 AQA Qualification Certificate in TechMate Volunteering at the Town Hall this morning. Nate has been a TechMate for over 12 months, and has supported the delivery of our weekly Ashton Library TechMate Tea Party drop in sessions. This support session has had way over 100 attendees since Nate has been presented, and his attentiveness, patience and commitment to supporting residents with basic digital skills is outstanding.
This was personified last week, when at a completely different Tea Party session in Wigan Library, a resident receiving help waxed lyrical about Nate's support at Ashton months earlier - crediting him with being the sole reason he didn't give up with continuing his digital learning.
Nate has also currently completed the Prices Trust award, and is just the model professional in everything he does. Huge congratulations to Nate, we are very lucky to be blessed with so many incredible volunteers like him as TechMates! Interested in becoming a TechMate and perhaps following in Nate’s footsteps? Sign up today!
Tiffany’s TechMate experience
Meet Tiffany, one of our TechMates, working with the residents around the borough helping them to get the digital support they require. Tiffany started volunteering with us during the pandemic helping people who were struggling to get online, access vital digital services and connect with their loved ones.
Why did you sign up to become a TechMate?
"I think mostly because during the pandemic, I was looking to do some sort of volunteering but everything was quite time consuming and overwhelming... I think TechMates provided a compromise as it allowed me to do it from home at times that suited me...you feel like you’re making a big difference".
Did you feel like you needed to be a digital expert?
"No definitely not and I'm definitely not a digital expert. I have my moments, I think I've grown up with technology, if you want to find out a question, you google it and 9 times out of 10 it's the first one that comes up on Google. I think a lot of our older residents haven't grown up with technology and it's something so simple and easy to do like a click onto google or turning a tablet on. So i think that you don't necessarily have to be a technical whizz to sign up and help someone out..."
What do you like about being a TechMate?
"I think it is satisfying, I love solving a problem and the lady that I speak with the most is so grateful that I help her out and she does an excited squeal when we do something like proposing an email or installing a new app. I think the most rewarding thing is just to sit and make a difference and it only takes me a day a week to help and its completely changed her life".
Ben’s TechMate Experience
Ben started volunteering with us while he was still at school. He has spent the last two years supporting residents to learn basic digital skills. This summer, Ben was awarded the TechMates AQA qualification, and is now studying ICT at college.
What do you like about being a TechMate?
One thing I like about being a TechMate is helping the community to get online as lots of forms, services and information are now digital and need to be accessible for everyone.
What is the most challenging thing about being a TechMate?
One of the most challenging things about being a TechMate is that it can be difficult to explain to them where certain things are located on their devices over the phone.
What have you learned from being a TechMates?
I have developed better communication skills and more confidence.
How did working with the TechMates project help you?
TechMates really helped me with my college application and Duke of Edinburgh award, because it is unique, requires dedication and shows a good understanding of communication and IT skills.
Dorothy - Doing digital in lockdown
"Being without my iPad was a big worry to me, I felt socially isolated and it was making me anxious. I'm lost without it as I find using FaceTime on my iPad allows me to lip read. When you live on your own, it's so important to have contact with the outside world, so I want to thank my TechMates Paul, Tracey and Sam. It was like my prayers were being answered. The help I've received and the understanding and kindness they've shown me has given me the confidence I thought I'd lost."