Age UK Isle of Wight Showcases Their Collaboration with The Isle of Wight College

In celebration of Global Intergenerational Week, observed from April 24th to 30th, Age UK Isle of Wight is commemorating the global campaign by showcasing a collaborative project between their Digital Friendly Island (DFI) team and The Isle of Wight College. The intergenerational project underscores the significance of bridging the digital divide for older members of our community.

In today's fast-paced digital era, technological literacy is imperative for individuals of all ages to navigate essential services and daily tasks effectively. Unfortunately, many older people face challenges in keeping pace with the rapid advancements in technology. Recognising this disparity, Age UK Isle of Wight’s DFI and the Isle of Wight College partnered to deliver intergenerational digital support workshops created to empower older adults in embracing technology with confidence.

The collaborative workshops, which paired older participants with college students, covered a range of topics essential for digital literacy. From device setup and email communication to online security and social media usage, the workshops aimed to equip older individuals with the necessary skills to overcome technological barriers and enhance their digital proficiency.

Feedback from workshop attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with 85.5% of participants reporting increased awareness of the challenges faced by older individuals in technology usage. This newfound understanding enables participants to advocate for improved accessibility for a more inclusive digital society on the Isle of Wight.

Furthermore, 85.7 % of student’s who participated felt that they had developed useful skills that will benefit them in the future. “It's a good thing to have on my CV. I'd like to thank Age UK (Isle of Wight) as it's helped me to be able to connect with an older person, and this has helped me with my grandmother who has dementia. It's been genuinely useful" – Student Participant.

The success of these workshops can be attributed to the dedication and expertise of the college students involved. Their patience, knowledge, and ability to address queries have played a pivotal role in creating a supportive learning environment conducive to fostering digital literacy among older individuals.

Paul McKillop, Curriculum Manager for Digital and Computing at the Isle of Wight College, expressed his satisfaction with the workshops' impact, stating, "Raising awareness of the technological barriers faced by older individuals is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive digital society. The positive feedback we have received from participants underscores the effectiveness of our collaborative initiatives."

Age UK Isle of Wight’s DFI service remains committed to continuing promoting digital inclusivity across the Isle of Wight community. DFI offers a range of support options delivered by staff and volunteers Island-wide, including 1:1 home visit, 6-week courses, tailored community workshops, and convenient drop-ins. Additionally, they can provide short term loans of digital equipment to further enhance accessibility. More information and to access this service please contact Age UK Isle of Wight Digital Friendly Island team on (01983) 301693 or emailing digital@ageukiw.org.uk