Connect Hackney

As the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the importance of digital services, Hackney Council has a campaign to help residents improve their digital skills. 

Below is a video about the impact of the Digital Divide. 

Hackney council’s campaign includes a toolkit of videos and a new digital training programme matching younger people with residents who have very limited digital skills.

Videos include how to set up a device and how to use Zoom and WhatsApp, as well as important information concerning scams and online dangers.

The council has been working with local care homes to train care workers to teach elderly people how best to use online functions. It has also launched the Digital Buddies Programme

This is led by volunteers aged 16-18, who provide one to one training to help older people get online and navigate the internet. 

Many residents who face literacy and language barriers when trying to access basic functions. Therefore the resources available have been created for a universal audience to help all residents to improve their digital skills.

It’s been known that there are some residents who are digitally excluded, however the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted this further. The council are keen to ensure that all residents are included in that process. 

This includes form filling, connecting with loved ones it is a priority of ours to make sure that everyone is able to access the support they need.

For further information and to access the online tools or request a digital buddy please visit: https://hackney.gov.uk/digital-skills