'It's moving to put loved ones back in touch'

A scheme to help people use technology and get online has been expanded.

The Tech Skills for Life project was started in west Norfolk in July 2023, to tackle digital isolation.

But having helped more than 6,500 people, it has now been rolled out to north Norfolk, east Norfolk, Waveney and Breckland.

Gail Harvey, programme manager for Norfolk County Council, said: “I feel incredibly proud. I think everybody should be able to have the ability to use tech if they want to.”

The Tech Skills for Life scheme was set up by Norfolk County Council.

West Norfolk was chosen to host the pilot project as it was highlighted as an area in which there was a high level of digital exclusion.

This means people either do not have the technology to go online, cannot afford to access the internet or do not know how to use it.

The project has now supported 18 people back into work or volunteering. It has gifted more than 1,200 devices such as laptops and tablets, as well as sim cards and smartphones.

Ms Harvey said: “Norfolk is a really rural county.

"To be able to put people back in touch with loved ones or friends or family that they haven't seen for a long while and see their faces over a screen is moving.

“I think part of the pleasure of the last eighteen months is understanding what tech can be used for.”

Michael Pye, 68, from Horning joined the group’s sessions in North Walsham Library to help him get to grips with the basics of technology.

“I find computers and phones a problem,” he said. “Without someone to help you, where do you turn?

“I enjoy coming to the group to speak to a person who actually cares and talks to you and helps you.”

The project is currently funded by the Department for Health and Social Care, with a focus on supporting unpaid carers.

Hollli Holmes, 33, has been working as a community tech coach for north Norfolk for the past three months.

She said the scheme helps people with digital skills as well as their finances and mental health.

“A lot of people I think are lacking confidence or scared,” she said. “It’s just reassuring them and confidence can grow in even just one session.

“It's really rewarding and it can be someone communicating with family that they haven't seen, or with friends that live far away, or it can be as simple as getting someone that online shopping.

“You name it. I will give it a go.”

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