As Digitober rolls on, Bury celebrates a key milestone in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusivity across the borough. Thanks to the efforts of local community partners, volunteers and staff, residents are finding new ways to connect, learn, and thrive. Since July 2024, more than 150 residents from various backgrounds and priority groups have engaged in our digital drop-in sessions, connectivity and devices solutions collectively boosting their confidence and skills in navigating the digital world.
Digitober is a month-long celebration of the digital sector in Greater Manchester. It's a time to showcase the digital sector's achievements and aspirations, and to raise awareness of the importance of digital inclusion.
At the heart of this effort in Bury are the “Tech and Café” Digital Drop-in Sessions, hosted at various community hubs provide invaluable opportunities for residents to receive free, informal support, helping them with everything from accessing essential services to learning how to stay safe online. Here’s a look at how these sessions have made an impact:
- Jinnah Day Care Centre: Residents from the Asian 50+ age group have been able to engage in digital activities, enhancing their ability to stay connected with loved ones and access online services they may have previously found inaccessible.
- Ingeus Bury Neighbourhub: This hub welcomes job seekers and unemployed residents. Participants enhanced their digital skills for job searching, improving their chances of re-entering the workforce, as well as everyday digital activities, such as using mobile and banking apps.
- The Eagles Wings: Asylum seekers, refugees, and members of the homeless community have benefitted from drop-in sessions, where they have been able to access crucial online resources for migration, housing, health, and work-related enquiries.
- Top O'Th Fields: The sessions have engaged with 50+ age group residents, with regular members attending ongoing sessions, providing residents with the tools to stay connected, manage day-to-day tasks and stay safe online.
- Bridge Community Church: A diverse group of underemployed residents, job seekers, asylum seekers, and those from the 50+ age community have gained access to the digital world, helping them build skills to improve their job prospects and stay socially connected.
In total, more than 50 residents have been positively impacted by these sessions, which highlights the power of digital inclusion to build digital confidence, independence, and community engagement.
Volunteers from the Digital Buddy program have made a remarkable impact in their communities, each contributing in unique ways. One volunteer has been balancing her education with a job as a Support Worker, while continuing to volunteer at two of our hubs, assisting people with digital skills. Another volunteer, who recently completed a software development bootcamp course, designed a much-needed website for Jinnah Day Care Centre, helping the organisation expand its digital presence. Meanwhile, a third volunteer created user-friendly support materials at Top O'Th Fields, enabling residents to independently navigate tablets and the internet, during and after the drop-in sessions.
These inspiring stories showcase the diverse talents and dedication of Digital Buddy volunteers, as they give back to the community while gaining valuable experience. The volunteer’s efforts do not go without notice with one of Jinnah Day Care Centre uses saying:
“I was so pleased when the volunteer from digital inclusion team came to Jinnah Day Care Centre to help me understand using a tablet and getting familiar with its functions. I did not have confidence to use the tablet but through the informative sessions I gained confidence to improve my basic digital skills to the extent of being able to complete a form online all thanks to my digital buddy!”
Jangala Get Box: A Lifeline for Digital Inclusion
A key partner in this initiative is Jangala, a not-for-profit organisation working to provide digital connectivity solutions to those in need. One of their most impactful tools, the Get Box, is addressing digital poverty by enabling small groups to connect to the internet. The Get Box, powered by Virgin Media O2 SIM cards, can support up to 20 users per device. It’s an essential resource for households or community groups struggling with broadband or mobile data costs.
Bury Council has been at the forefront of implementing the Get Box in the borough, particularly at The Eagles Wings, where over 50 members now have access to Wi-Fi at their community hub. The community meets regularly through the week, and volunteers assist members with issues around migration, housing, education, health, and employment. Having internet access on site means they no longer have to rely on personal mobile data, easing financial strain and allowing them to offer more robust support.
Recognising the success of this initiative, Bury Council is providing 15 more Get Box devices for distribution to The Eagles Wings members who need reliable home Wi-Fi. This step is part of the council's ongoing commitment to combating digital exclusion through innovative partnerships and accessible solutions.
Explore Bury Works Digital for All: Your Gateway to Digital Inclusion Resources
Bury Council’s Bury Works Digital for All website is a one-stop platform designed to help residents enhance their digital skills and access online resources. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your digital knowledge, the site offers a range of support:
- Digital Skills Training: Access free and low-cost courses, from basic computer skills to more advanced topics like coding and social media.
- Employment Support: Find resources to improve your job search, create a strong CV, and prepare for interviews. There are links to local job boards and employment programmes.
- Access to Devices and Connectivity: Learn how to obtain affordable devices and explore local initiatives offering low-cost or free internet access.
- Online Safety: Get tips on protecting your personal data, avoiding scams, and practicing safe online behaviour.
- Business Support: Small businesses and community groups can find advice on building an online presence and using digital tools effectively.
The website also links to our Digital Inclusion Map, which showcases workshops, tech drop-ins, and more to keep the community engaged with digital learning opportunities.
Visit bury.gov.uk/work-and-skills/bury-works-digital-for-all to explore these resources and more, helping you stay connected and confident in today’s digital world.
Digitober is more than just a celebration – it is a reminder that through collaboration and innovation, we can bring the benefits of digital technology to everyone in our community.