The move to do even more online during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the digital divide in North East Lincolnshire.
Many services in health, employment and welfare have shifted to a more digital approach, meaning some people may struggle to access this due to a lack of suitable equipment, knowledge and/or data such as Wi-Fi or mobile data.
North East Lincolnshire Council wants to make it easier for people to get online and to have access and support to digital resources.
That’s why we’re holding a Digital Engagement Week from Monday 27 September.
We want you to tell us about your experiences and barriers to getting online. We will also tell you what help and support is available to you.
People will be able to enter a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning one of four Samsung tablets and Love2Shop vouchers.
Drop in at any time during the following sessions:
- Monday 27 September, 10am to 12pm at Immingham Old Library
- Monday 27 September, 12.30pm to 3pm at Immingham Civic Centre
- Tuesday 28 September, 12pm to 3pm at Grimsby Leisure Centre
- Tuesday 28 September, 4pm to 7pm at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre
- Thursday 30 September, 10am to 3pm at Centre4
- Friday 1 October, 10am to 3pm at Freeman Street Market
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get online access and support to digital resources.
“We’ve been encouraging voluntary and community groups from across the borough to bid for funding to boost digital awareness and support those with little or no access to the internet.
“With this funding, we hope the benefits to people can include free Wi-Fi hotspots to encourage better take up in areas that have low rates of access to online services, training to give people the skillset they need to confidently and safely use the internet, and in some cases, providing equipment to those who cannot afford it.
“We really want to support people to get online, especially due to the circumstances we now find ourselves in, heavily relying on digital use.
“That’s why we want to hear from you. We want to know what your struggles and barriers may be, so we can learn how to make digital access more inclusive to everyone. I’d encourage as many people as possible to drop in to one of our events for a quick chat and to fill out a survey to have your say.”
You can also give your views and enter the prize draw at North East Lincolnshire libraries, Friendship at Home and Job Centre Plus.
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