Brent Council held a skills workshop as part of its plans to tackle digital exclusion following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The workshop which took place on Wednesday 30 October in the Grand Hall at Brent Civic Centre, former a key component of the council’s 2022-2026 inclusion strategy.
It focused on delivering sessions to the public on essential digital skills, online safety and essential Apps, along with supporting council staff members to deliver digital assistance.
Councillor Jake Rubin, cabinet member for employment, innovation and climate action, said: “Whether it’s for managing your healthcare in older age, exploring career opportunities, or simply staying connected with friends, being digitally equipped is more important than ever.
“We encourage everyone, no matter your level of digital experience, to come along and discover something new.”
A 2023 report published by Age UK found almost six million people aged 65-plus are unable to use the internet safely or are not online at all.
The charity highlighted the importance of digital skills as many key services such as banks close in-person branches and digitise their systems.
The workshop featured experts who showed attendees how to use the internet safely and confidently.
The experts helped ensure residents know when they’re on safe websites and not falling victim to scams.
Councillor Mili Patel, deputy Leader and cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “Our strategy is going really well, it’s going from strength to strength.
“There was a strong engagement from residents, many wanted to access universal services, so they were wanting to receive things like one-to-one support with vital apps, especially the NHS app.”
As part of the council’s work on dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, attendees were also shown how to use the app Mealia, which supports those at risk of food insecurity by helping them to meal plan and create shopping lists of cheap and healthy ingredients.
Brent Council’s digital strategy goals for 2026 include having 35% of currently digitally excluded residents increase their digital confidence and look to have 500 trained digital champions across Brent to support residents in developing their skills.
So far, Brent Council has trained over 200 staff members on the frontline service as digital champions.
Patel said: “We are on course to meet that target.”
On Wednesday 6 November, 103 phones with pre-paid sim cards were distributed to homeless people in the area as well, to allow them to keep up with referrals and appointments in community hubs and receive the support they need.
The council is also supporting children and young people to be digitally included by distributing over 13,000 laptops to schools and foster carers so far.
Brent is looking to run more workshops in the future.
The council also aims to utilise the Residents Hub’s new Digital Zone at the renovated Wembley Library to go into the community and help people access online services as soon as they need them.
Featured Image: Gerd Altmann/geralt, Pixabay
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