Digital Inclusion Service

126 High Street
Blackwood
NP12 1AF
United Kingdom

Email: digital@agecymrugwent.org
Telephone: 01633 763330

Digital Inclusion is here to help ages 50+ to use technology. Service provides help and support to learn digital skills.

What is the Digital Inclusion Project?

Age Cymru Gwent is proud to offer a Digital Inclusion service to help people aged 50+ ease into their digital journey. Our aim is to reduce digital anxiety in older people and inspire them to become more digitally confident, because everyone deserves the chance to benefit from the internet and digital technology.

Click the link to read our Digital Inclusion Charter:

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bp-assets/globalassets/gwent/documents/di_charter_age-cymru-gwent.pdf

What can I learn, am I too old?

You’re never too old to learn something new and our Digital Champions are here to guide and support you through your digital journey. Our friendly staff and volunteers provide person centred support and will listen to your digital aspirations, no matter how big or small. We will book an initial appointment via the telephone to find out what your individuals needs are and we will allocate a dedicated member of staff or volunteer who will work with you on your goals.

Some goals we have helped older people achieve include:

- Confidently using an iPad, iPhone, mobile phone, laptop and large screen tablets.
- Communicating with friends & family online
- Handling information online
- Problem solving & researching online
- Staying safe & legal online
- Online banking
- Online shopping
- Playing games online
- Streaming films

Watch this video to discover how our Digital Champions helped 82-year-old Raymond embrace technology:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YvmvEtyo5I

Why is this important for me?

Digital technology continues to transform our lives, particularly how we communicate, work, access services and spend our spare time. Most people have some kind of technological device that they feel they should become better at using, and some people may be complete novices. We are here to make sure your interaction with technology is a positive experience.

Being digitally confident offers you choice and allows you to manage your time better, so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy. The Covid-19 pandemic was a shock to everyone and forced many to transition to digital services, even if they weren't ready! However, it was also a lifeline for older people when they were advised to stay at home. Digital technology helped older people to:

- Communicate with friends & family online at a time when they were most socially isolated
- Book online food delivery slots when they were unable to leave home
- Check their bank balance and pay bills online
- Arrange prescriptions

By embracing technology, older people’s mental, physical and social wellbeing were greatly benefited.

Being intimidated by technology is very common, we will support you by becoming more knowledgeable and digitally confident. At Age Cymru Gwent, we understand everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Our Digital Champions have the training to provide person centred sessions, at a pace that suits you and which suits your needs. Over the last 18 months we have supported, empowered and instilled digital confidence in 276 older people in Gwent including those with:

- No IT experience
- Short-term memory loss.
- Socially isolated
- Chronic illnesses
- Mental health
- Autism
- Depression
- Disability
- Psychological pain
- Sight or hearing loss

How does it work?

So, you want to get online and start your digital journey but don't have a device or can't afford one? No problem!

Age Cymru Gwent is proud to offer its FREE Digital Loan Scheme. We can lend you a tablet device or iPad to use for your one-to-one sessions - at no extra cost. If at the end of your sessions, you are confident and comfortable with the device, you have the option to purchase it. We offer flexible payment plans to make it affordable for you.

Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1: Complete the form below OR contact us via 01633 763330 | digital@agecymrugwent.org
Step 2: Tell us your goals
Step 3: We'll plan and book your one-to-one sessions.