The power of technology to connect us and help to combat the detrimental effects of social isolation, became increasingly apparent during lockdown this year. For those without the skills or technology, it was one more barrier to social inclusion. We met recently with Ian Smith from Digital Communities Wales to find out more about their Digital Companions scheme. Find out more about the scheme and the support, training and equipment that can support our communities in becoming more digitally active in supporting their health and wellbeing.
Support
What is your support coverage / offer in Powys?
Digital Communities Wales covers the whole of Powys. Ian Smith was appointed to his post as Digital Inclusion Adviser for Digital Communities Wales 12 months ago and is currently building his patch and role. Digital Communities Wales are able to offer support and training to organisations to in turn support volunteers to become Digital Companions. The service is able to provide training and has a limited amount of equipment available for loan. There’s a focus on digital skills to improve health and wellbeing as the project is partly funded by the Welsh Government Department of Health.
How can people access this support? What’s the application process?
Organisations can request support by contacting Ian and the Digital Communities Wales team. A session can be booked through Ian that can be attended via a link and booking form. If there is a large enough group with specific requirements and a date in mind, this can be forwarded to Ian who then look at arranging this with his trainers. Bespoke training can be arranged, or a mix and match combination of existing training modules.
Do you have some examples of how you have worked with people?
Mary's Story - Digital Volunteer with Newcis
Peter's Story - Digital Volunteer West Wales
Are you still operating as normal during lockdown?
Services are still available but have had to be adapted and changed to comply with COVID 19 restrictions. Face to face training has not resumed yet, though some 1 to 1 work is now possible outside whilst observing social distancing if deemed necessary. All training is completed digitally online via Zoom. Training can also be given on how to use Zoom.
Are there DBS check references and training for participants?
Digital Communities Wales do not provide or source volunteers although a volunteer coordinator was appointed during lockdown to look at developing the role of volunteers. Digital Communities Wales do not have a pool of volunteers or a network of Digital Companions. Volunteers to be Digital Companions would be sourced by the organisations providing the service. Responsibilities for safeguarding and DBS checks are the responsibility of the organisation providing or co-ordinating the volunteers.
Equipment
Is there access to borrow equipment to test it out, see what suits an individual. (phone/tablet/ipad) Could this idea be developed?
At present there is a limited amount of equipment that can be loaned. Welsh Government provided 1100 tablets for distribution in Wales to care homes during the pandemic. 19 care homes in Powys benefitted from receiving one of these. Digital Communities Wales have a limited amount of tablets, smart speakers, virtual reality headsets available for loan. These are loaned on agreement to organisations, who can lend them to volunteers / service users. Digital Communities Wales can then help with the developing a loan process and have model loan forms. Equipment can be loaned for a set period of time to try it out and see if it’s beneficial and useful. If organisations are then interested in buying their own equipment then support can be provided to apply for funding. Equipment is available at present and can be accessed by all geographical areas in Powys. There are discussions at the moment on improving and adding to the amount of equipment available.
How would the Virtual Headsets be used?
Virtual headsets have been used by organisations with a focus on reminiscing with memory films such as Welsh Shops. There are also films with an outdoor focus such as beaches or countryside for people who are unable to go out, bringing the beaches and countryside to them. These headsets can be tailored to meet individual needs. Ian gave the example of an unresponsive older man who had been a Liverpool football fan. A film of a match was provided with the man responding and singing to “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” DMIP currently have 5 of these headsets and are trialling their benefits. Another virtual initiative currently in development at the moment is a bicycle with handlebars, pedals and hand crank linked to a laptop and street view, allowing people to ‘cycle,’ and ‘see,’ places of their choosing. The added advantage is that people get some exercise whilst accessing street view.
How do you monitor the security of equipment on loan?
All equipment is linked to a mobile device management system. The advantages are that apps can be added remotely, the location of equipment can be monitored and located if necessary. It’s also possible to monitor whether equipment is being used and to follow up to check if there are any problems if equipment isn’t being used.
Training
Are you aware of the Game Change project and do you have any plans to set up something like this?
Digital Companions currently support the Game Change Project. Sian from the project has two tablets from Digital Communities Wales and DCW have provided the training for Game Change. It is not a project they would set up and run themselves but they would be able to support similar projects.
Is there a local capacity for training volunteers to support elderly / isolated people to use IT? (COVID 19 support groups)
Digital Companions offer training for frontline staff and volunteers. Most training is online now. There are a range of programmes to support volunteers to support other people, including practical information like online safety, how do you differentiate between good and bad information, equipment but also soft skills around communication skills. They offer practical sessions on how to use tablets and also smart speakers such as Alexa and Echo Dot.
Is there access to peer teaching to get people going with their new tech tools? Either over the phone or otherwise?
Digital Companions offer several training courses and modules. They have a 6 week Digital Skills course composed of 6 x 1 hour modules made up of:
Basic Digital Skills
Introduction to Comms - Social Media & Online Videos
Handling Information and Content - How do you find what you’re looking for online? How do you know if it’s any good? How do you store it?
Transacting - How to buy things online, how to register, how you can take money online.
Problem Solving - Finding solutions to problems and answers to questions.
Safe and Legal - Keeping safe and legal online.
Do you offer training to help people stay safe online?
Most training packages include safety modules such as how to tell if an email is genuine, spotting fake information and internet scams.
Can you help people who have no skills whatsoever to get started online?
It’s not easy showing someone remotely how to begin to access digital services. This is where the role of the Digital Companions has its benefits. A Digital Companion is often somebody known to the person being trained which helps to build the relationship and trust. Materials are available on Digitally Unite to help people show others to become digitally competent.
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We would like to upskill our volunteers so they can support clients to access online social groups and will be looking for training courses. Do you offer courses?
Yes Digital Communities Wales offer a range of courses and training to enhance people’s digital skills and knowledge. This can be organised as a group session.
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