More than 530 Barnet residents have gained key digital skills under a scheme led by Barnet Council that includes free laptops, broadband and SIM cards, to promote digital inclusion across the borough.
Through the BOOST Barnet skills and employability service, the council and its network of digital champions, has met with huge success in identifying and supporting residents at risk of digital exclusion, following funding from the London Office for Technology and Innovation.
The BOOST Barnet scheme is part of West London Alliance’s Expanding Opportunities programme which aims to futureproof the region by investing in digital technology and skills, generating new opportunities, jobs and growth.
Digital Skills Community Workshops across the borough were attended by 533 residents in 2022/23. The Barnet Get Online Network which brings together around 100 community groups and Barnet Council, is now hosting 14 weekly workshops.
The council is working with 2econd Chance, a computer recycling company to encourage residents and business to donate unwanted laptops and tablets, which will then be made available to those who need them. This follows a successful pilot in 2021 which helped residents apply for employment, access benefits, education, and training, improve their digital skills, reduce isolation and much more.
Community Fibre and other broadband providers are joining with BOOST to offer free fibre broadband for 12 months to Barnet residents who cannot currently access it in their homes. The aim is to ensure every council home in the borough has this access by 2025.
A partnership with Good Things Foundation, a digital inclusion charity collaborating with Virgin Media O2, means free mobile data vouchers and free SIM cards are also available.
Colindale Communities Trust – a charity providing services such as employment support, counselling, free Wi-Fi and IT to hundreds of Grahame Park residents – now has a digital inclusion hub in Grahame Park Library.
BOOST workshop participant, Carol, secured a full-time job in an opticians after years of unemployment.
She said: “I had very little confidence and knowledge in using a computer, but I needed to look for work. I have had help and support from BOOST to improve my skills as well as support to apply for jobs such as completing the application, writing my CV and preparing for the interviews.”
Fay Morris, Barnet Digital Inclusion Coordinator, said: “A lack of digital skills can have huge negative impacts, including poorer health and well-being, social isolation, and less access to jobs and education. We remove barriers to accessing digital tools and services by focusing on the individual needs of the resident, ensuring information and services can be accessed through a range of different formats, so no resident is left behind.”
Digital Champions – volunteers who deliver digital skills training to residents – are fundamental to the success of BOOST.
Cathy Smart said volunteering for the role helped build her own confidence and communication skills, as well as helping her community.
She added: “I like seeing the difference that I make to someone when they visit the workshop for digital support. I also enjoy learning new things – I’ve learned a lot since volunteering and there’s so much more to learn.”