Digital inclusion program recognized for helping residents grow more confident online

A project which helped more Sandwell residents become online confident by providing 1,200 Chromebooks, 400 laptops and training on how to use them has won the Adult Learner Award for Digital Inclusion.

Two Sandwell Council teams – the Sandwell Adult and Family Learning Service (SAFL) and the Digital Inclusion Team – have been recognized for their outstanding support for residents to improve their digital skills and employment prospects.

The project is part of West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) £4m digital rollout, which has now helped more than 46,000 people across the region.

Held at a number of sites in Sandwell, such as the Confederation of Bangladesh Organisations, Black Country Women’s Aid and Sons of Rest, the training courses helped residents develop new skills to help them apply for work, paying bills, shopping online, helping children with homework and claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

Priya Begum, a mother of two who has benefited from the project, said: “I have completed two foundation courses and have now gained the confidence to go on an essential digital skills course which will not only mean that I have a formal qualification, but I can also help my children with their homework now. I’m confident I can work safely online and I’m sure I can keep an eye on what my kids are doing online so I know they’re safe too.”

The Sandwell scheme is just one of a number of partnership projects, funded by the WMCA, where digitally isolated residents have been able to connect to the internet after receiving laptops or Chromebooks.

Each program has been delivered by working in partnership with local councils and community and voluntary sector organisations, to improve people’s access to public services, improve their employment prospects and reduce social isolation.

Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor and WMCA Chair, said: “It’s great to hear that the digital inclusion project has reached so many of our residents. Sandwell’s project is a great example of how we have worked with local authorities and voluntary and community sector organizations to provide localized support and it’s great to see them recognized with an Adult Learning Award for Digital Inclusion.

“Our digital roadmap sets out how together we can do even more to fulfill our potential as a region and deliver positive outcomes for local residents. In turn, improving digital skills will support businesses and the local economy with access to a more digitally robust workforce.”

Sandwell Council Deputy Councilor Paul Moore said: “Residents who cannot access digital services can find themselves missing out and having to pay more for essentials.

“It’s important that all our residents have the tools, opportunities and skills to go online and access services and support when they need it.

“This project is a great example of the community-based digital support we are developing in Sandwell.”

In addition to the digital devices, WMCA also partnered with the Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) to distribute more than 300 Fitbits to people identified as most in need of support to improve their health and well-being.

Participants had one of three long-term conditions, high blood pressure, chronic depression or type 2 diabetes, or someone with a personal risk factor such as being overweight.

Almost 73% of participants said they would recommend using a Fitbit improved their digital skills and became more physically active as a result.

Digital Inclusion is part of the WMCA’s Global Digital Roadmap, which sets out how the combined authority will work with partners to improve residents’ digital skills, connect even more people and businesses to broadband and drive a better use of data and technology to improve public services and reduce the region’s carbon footprint.

For more about the Adult Learning Awards 2024, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of learning providers, tutors, employers and inspirational people who have made a real impact on adult learning in the region, visit the WMCA website.