Training in the Community

Our outreach team takes our digital training support into the community across Kent and the wider South East, where people may be unable to attend our Training Centre or are otherwise isolated due to their disability and/or lack of transport. A mixture of face to face and remotely delivered sessions can be made available to suit the needs of learners. Around 200 people a month benefit from our training in their own homes or through local community centres and residential care homes.

We work in close partnership with local Job Centres, Housing Associations and other charities to source new referrals for our digital skills support. This includes people who need skills to find and gain employment or manage their benefits, tenants who need to access online services to maintain their property, and people with complex needs who require skills and digital devices to access specialist support services. Our trainers also work with referral partners to identify and address any wider needs, such as advice and support with debt or addiction, and support with housing and adult social care.

Much of our outreach training makes use of the Learn My Way online skills platform. This offers a wide range of short modules which increase in complexity as each learner’s skills and confidence improves. In some group settings, we can offer introductory sessions to various types of digital devices, as well as smartphones. In addition, we have developed computer based group activity sessions for people with dementia and other similar conditions. These use specialist computer tools, including Soundbeam and Skoog, for therapeutic support, where participants can create music and light shows.

We also provide training for some learners to become digital buddies. These individuals can go to share their new skills with other vulnerable people in their local communities or housing developments, offering a familiar and trusted face to people who would otherwise lack the confidence to take the first step to digital inclusion.