More people are to be helped to get online.
A third of Dorset residents are estimated to be digitally excluded with one in ten completely offline.
In the last 24 months, housing and employability provider BCHA’s Bournemouth Digital has helped 263 people with a five-week course to learn basic computer skills.
It included learning how to use a keyboard and mouse, internet searching, sending emails and accessing online banking.
Funding came from the Good Things Foundation.
Now Dorset LEP’s Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe is to take forward and expand the programme, to be known as Digital Discovery.
Bournemouth Digital co-ordinator, Andy Merchant said: “Many people lack the confidence or the day-to-day computing skills necessary in our increasingly digital society, but Bournemouth Digital has helped hundreds to acquire that confidence.
“It’s been incredibly encouraging for everyone on the team to see the doors the programme has opened for people and to hear their amazing feedback.
“Our beginners’ courses have been delivered at nine community locations across Bournemouth, including Dorset LEP’s Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe, where the learners have enjoyed such success with it that the LEP has now offered to take it onwards and upwards.”
The Digital Skills Hub in the Royal Arcade, Boscombe was set up with the mission of addressing digital exclusion.
It successfully helps residents and local business owners learn new technology/IT skills, make connections, boost confidence and better themselves and is delivered by the Dorset LEP with funding from BCP Council.
The Hub’s Partnership & Project Lead, Kaoutar Addi, said: “Bournemouth Digital has been instrumental in helping many of our clients to develop their skills and move forward in their employment.
“Andy and his fellow tutors are incredibly knowledgeable, and patient and their delivery has been key to the courses’ success.
“So, when we learned that the programme was scheduled to end after two years, I took it to the LEP and told them we needed to keep it going – and they agreed.
“Digital Discovery will continue to be delivered by Andy and his expert team from BCHA and it will grow, with more courses, such as one on the use of mobile phones.
“Bournemouth Digital has paved the way for people to develop their online confidence and digital skills and Digital Discovery will continue its success.
“We are very excited about our new partnership with BCHA and what the future holds for all our learners.”
- For those wishing to find out more about the Digital Discovery beginners and intermediate computer course, drop into the Digital Skills Hub, Boscombe or email: bchalearn@bcha.org.uk
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