Exploring Digital Exclusion Event

Advice NI consistently advocates for Digital Inclusion through its work delivering Basic Digital skills programmes at grassroots level whilst the most recent edition of View Digital magazine explored the issue of digital exclusion. It can be viewed here. People have a right to be able to participate fully in society and we know that this now, more than ever, requires digital connectivity and the skills to navigate the Internet safely and securely.

The event took place in the prestigious Long Gallery, Stormont on 22nd of May. Paula Bradshaw MLA opened proceedings, with Brian Pelan Co-Founder and Editor of View Digital and Patricia Donald Head Comms & Digital, Advice NI also addressing attendees.

In addition, a number of our brilliant volunteers participated on panel discussions to explain their role in delivering basic digital skills programmes to tackle digital exclusion and to give an insight into the impact of digital exclusion on their communities.

Also at the event, we incorporated the graduation of new Volunteer Advice NI Digital Champions. Advice NI is delighted to have recently trained 14 new Digital Champions volunteers as part of the new Begin Together - Digi Money project, funded by the Bank of Ireland. The volunteers from migrant and refugee communities all speak a language in addition to English. The aim of the programme is that the volunteers will participate in digital skills training and will then cascade this learning by delivering digital support to those in their own communities to help improve their basic digital skills and financial wellbeing. Also graduating were a number of Rights for Seniors Digital volunteers. This programme, funded by Nationwide Community Grants, focuses on delivering basic Digi Skills sessions to older people’s groups. The courses are delivered over a period of 5 weeks and focus on topics like how to use Zoom, getting online and staying safe, email and shopping online and are often a vital first step to tackling potential social isolation by helping people feel more confident and connected.

The event was an opportunity to highlight the impact of digital exclusion, celebrate our volunteers.