Digital Inclusion Policy

 

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Support to get Online

The Internet should make everyone’s lives easier but sometimes it may not seem that way as we all have to learn new skills.

We want:

The internet is becoming the main way of carrying out everyday activities.

Contact your local Digital Inclusion Hub to learn how to access Online Services and develop you digital skills online. To visit your local hub call 07783 776 066 or email digital.inclusion@southwark.gov.uk

Get help with

  • getting internet
  • using a smartphone
  • using online tools to manage your health
  • paying bills online
  • video calls
  • social media
  • downloading apps
  • ordering online
  • online demand TV….and more

The hubs have digital champions who are volunteers who live and work in the borough. They are local people who want to help make sure no resident is left offline.

Patients on low incomes (household income less than £20,000), on benefits, have disabilities, or are on state pensions can self-refer to the digital inclusion hub to receive free Vodafone SIMs cards that include 40gb of internet data, free calls and free texts for six months.

Non-digital, solutions will be made available for patients who are unable to engage digitally wherever possible.

Access and Space

Did you know that you can also get help using the internet in your local library?

You can visit your local library if you need access to a private or safe and confidential space to use the internet.

Southwark Libraries offer free use of computer tablets, access to a printer as well as support with learning. You can even borrow an internet router.

Southwark Libraries

 

Online Courses – Learn My Way 

Learn about how to manage your health online and develop skills and confidence in your own time using Learn My Way. 

The Learn My Way website provides free online courses for beginners, helping you with GP-related online resources, using the internet, using your device, using email, using video calls, basic online safety, accessing public services and much more.

Visit Learn my Way

 

The Good things Foundation

To be eligible for a free SIM card, you must be:

  • 18+ years old and from a low income household
  • And/Or have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
  • And/Or have no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
  • And/Or cannot afford an existing monthly contract or top up.
 

The NHS App

Information and guidance on how to use the NHS App is available on our NHS App page.

Patients can also contact the NHS App Help team using the top right hand corner of the app.

Contact the NHS App and account team

If having difficulty using the App please let us know how we can support you. We treat all requests the same way, no matter how you contact us.

 

Mobile Phone Boot Camp – Clear Community web

If you find that people go too fast when they are trying to show you something then this could be right for you.

What is Clear Community Web

ClearCommunityWeb are a social enterprise, that provides borough-wide digital skills training, advice and support services to community groups, older people, vulnerable adults and carers across Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth and Southwark. 

For many people, technology can be overwhelming. Making information as simple as possible can go a long way in giving people the confidence to overcome their fears and anxieties. Their services walk through the steps to resolve computer issues and difficulties people are having in staying connected.

They work closely with community groups and non-profit organisations, providing training and direct support for remote working. Enabling support workers to have keep in contact with vulnerable service users, share digital skills within their organisation and promote digital inclusion in their network.

To find out the next event near you visit the Clear Community Hub Eventbrite Page

  • Bookings are free, no question is too basic.
  • You can learn useful and practical things in small groups, share experiences and meet new friends. 
  • In each session there will be a variety of activities to try depending on number of people and the activities that people want to try. Over a typical session you may get to try two or three activities and share what you have learned over a cup of tea. 
  • Start to feel confident with something that feels complicated and feel good about yourself!  

Please Note: You must have a smart phone, set up, charged up and with data to participate. Staff can offer advice or help with this.

If you don’t have a smartphone you can still attend, have a chat and see what it is all about.