‘Pont Digidol’ aspiring to bridge the digital gap for residents in North Wales
North Wales Housing (NWH) is leading on a new pilot project helping residents become informed, digitally included and confident, bridging the current digital gap that exists in the region.
NWH is one of two housing associations across Wales to be awarded Minimum Digital Living Standards (MDLS) funding by Welsh Government and is the only housing association in North Wales.
Digital inclusion is an increasingly vital aspect of modern life, impacting access to essential services, education, employment, and social connectivity. The MDLS sets the minimum criteria necessary to ensure that individuals are not left behind in our digital society. This includes reliable broadband access, appropriate digital devices, and the basic digital skills needed to use technology confidently and safely.
NWH’s ‘Pont Digidol’ (Digital Bridge) project aims to support a diverse group of 25 social housing households to access essential digital resources, skills, and advice as part of the Project
These include an ongoing series of sessions with NWH residents, which are being facilitated by Digital Communities Wales (DCW), which have already got underway with great success.
Claire Shiland, Director of Operations at NWH, said:
“It is crucial to bridge the digital gap in this region. Statistics show that some 7% of adults in Wales are ‘digitally excluded’.
“This is a great opportunity for us to assess and learn about the needs of our residents and our social housing community in North Wales. They are telling us they are keen to build confidence and make use of those digital opportunities, not just as residents but in a personal capacity for online finances, keeping in touch with family and friends, making appointments but crucially being able to do so in a way that keeps them safe online.
“With the help of DCW, we will be able to track the progress of residents who are taking part and will be able to identify where need is greatest. This project is not just about providing devices or internet access; it is about empowering individuals to engage with digital technology safely, confidently, and in a way that enhances their quality of life.”
A group of NWH residents at Llys Coed in Llanfairfechan joined in the first session.
DCW’s Nick Moylan led the course and explains how it all starts with the basics.
“When we get to the activities, as we saw this morning, everyone became quite confident, so I adapt sessions to suit everyone’s needs.
“It is all about empowerment and choice at sessions like this, you can ask questions so you can understand things and work things out in a group too. Already we have been looking at QR codes, password security and different devices.
“It is important for people to be confident because most of the services we access or need are now online, things like Pension Credit and bus pass applications even. You can ring up or do it on a form but often those forms are on a website! Having the confidence to navigate the internet gives you confidence and that is what we are here to encourage.”
The oldest participant in the pilot is 98-year-old David. He said:
“I do have a Kindle and a laptop but I had come across things during the session that I hadn’t heard of previously and it was more than interesting.
“My problem is that I don’t understand the terminology and technology so coming along to these sessions will be of benefit to me.”
His neighbour Graham also took part in the first session and added:
“I am still learning, and I enjoyed the sessions because everyone had the space to speak.”
At a Digital Session at one of NWH’s Extra Care schemes, two 92-year-old friends Glenys and Brenda joined in. Neither of the ladies had ever used an iPad or been on the internet previously. Glenys has a smart phone and was quite expert at taking photos and Brenda owns a basic mobile phone. They are both keen to learn more.
DCW adapted the session to include their interests, and the ladies were soon searching You Tube for their favourite old programmes and treated the group to a 1960s Blue Peter and Peyton Place. Glenys was delighted to find she could access music of her favourite singer, Bruce Springsteen, online and now knows how to search for his music. Brenda also learnt how to search her favourite holiday destinations.
The Project Digidol funding will also help to improve connectivity, making it easier for residents there to get on-line.
