Free access to computers and wi-fi at our digital cafes
Do you know someone who would enjoy this article?
We recently launched a new addition to several of our services which support people experiencing homelessness and poverty or those who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The digital literacy cafes provide free access to computers and wi-fi as well as giving vital support to people who need it.
Here, Sophie from our Cornerstone centre team explains more…
Can you tell us what this project is about?
Our digital literacy cafes have been set up in our three community centres Red Door, the Lalley Centre, and Cornerstone, as well as our two supported accommodation projects, Caritas House and Morning Star.
The project has been set up to enable people to have access to computers and free wi-fi, alongside support to show them how they can address and improve their housing, financial, health, and employment situation through online platforms.
Who can access it?
Anyone accessing our services can attend these sessions, and it is aimed at people who have no access to wi-fi or to digital equipment (smart phones/computers/tablets etc.), and who lack the skills, knowledge and confidence to find out how accessing services online could improve their lives.
This includes people of all ages (over 18), people with complex needs, including learning difficulties, access needs, people who are deaf/D-eaf, refugees whose first language isn’t English and who are not familiar with British services, and people with mental health/addiction problems. All of these are additional complexities which have often exacerbated the level of their digital exclusion.
What can people expect when they come along?
The sessions will be led by a member of staff who will support people to build their confidence and skills in accessing all the different services and platforms that are available to them.
This would include setting up email addresses, ensuring people understand how to keep themselves safe online, how to register for housing, search for private rented properties, manage online benefit accounts, use NHS apps, shop and get the best deals from energy providers, and access online health and wellbeing support,
They will also enable people to gain online work-based qualifications e.g. in food safety, helping them to create CVs, and show people how to search for and apply for jobs.
Why is this important?
Everything is online these days, yet so many of the people we work with do not have access to a computer/smartphone/tablet, or they do not have the confidence or skills to use them. This means that people are becoming increasingly excluded from services, which in turn is having negative effects on their health, wellbeing, and financial security.
If people do not have access to these devices, they have no way to access their benefits account, book a GP appointment, apply for jobs, etc. By providing these sessions on site in our day centres and accommodation projects, it means we can support people to access online services, and improve their confidence and skills in using digital devices – all while being in a familiar, welcoming and friendly environment.
How does this fit with other activities and support sessions you offer?
We have a wide range of support and activities available across all our services.
At Cornerstone, for example, we provide free practical support like showers, food, and clothing. We also have free specialist advice drop-ins from GPs and nurses to opticians and immigration advice. The digital literacy cafe is part of our current activities programme, which also includes poetry, acting for fun and confidence, art, and singing.
What’s the feedback been like from people who have accessed the support?
People have fed back that these sessions have improved their skills, knowledge, and wellbeing.
” I feel much more better since I have been coming to these sessions. I have a different feeling from before. I now feel like I am gonna get a job. I’ve never felt like this before since I left my last job in 2023.”