This post was written by Alyn Hilsden, who runs our digital drop in sessions from 10:30 – 12:30 each Monday morning during term time.
For the last six weeks, I have been running a weekly IT drop-in session at Burnage library. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a really satisfying way to engage with the local Burnage community. And although it is my job to help provide technical help and learning, my primary aim is to remain patient, present, and to facilitate confidence.
So, what can you learn at the drop-in session? The simple answer is anything, really. For one of the drop-in regulars, the session has been an opportunity for him to update his CV and submit online job applications; for others, it has provided a way to gain more generic skills: sending and responding to emails, using Microsoft Office, or simply browsing the internet, to name but a few. The fact is, the use of digital technology is now so deeply integrated into all aspects of society, and the variety of devices currently available so numerous, that the needs of the individual are rarely the same. However, regardless of whether the individual in question has a specific query, and regardless of whether that person chooses to use a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone, the one theme that unites the majority of attendees is a general lack of day-to-day IT exposure.
This lack of IT experience, often compounded by an inability to access good quality internet, is referred to as digital exclusion. The Good Things Foundation estimate that around 1.2 million people are digitally excluded in Greater Manchester; that’s a massive 42% of the population. The ramifications for such exclusion are clear. People are unable to access online health consultations, children can’t access education, and families who may already struggle to make ends meet end up paying more for services when discounts are offered online.1 The situation in Burnage is representative of this deficit in digital know-how.
By comparison with neighbouring Didsbury (1.802), Withington (1.611), Levenshulme (3.214) and ‘the Heatons’ (1.659), Burnage (4.083) scores relatively high on the Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI), putting the area at higher risk of digital exclusion. You may well be one of those affected.
As we emerge from nearly two years of rolling lockdowns, the requirement for digital know-how has never been more pressing. Whilst we all relish the return of human contact and the satisfaction of non-Zoom meetings, there is no doubt that technology continues to evolve unabated. This process has only been accelerated, rather than stalled, by the pandemic. There has therefore never been a better time to brush up on your IT skills. Here are some of the key benefits to avoiding digital exclusion:
– it can cut costs. Did you know that it’s 7% cheaper on average to pay for your energy bills by direct debit?2 Many energy companies now require you have an online account set up in order to do this
– it can be quicker. At peak times you can be on hold for upwards of thirty minutes when trying to get through to Manchester City Council. If you only need to update your address or make a routine payment, this can be achieved through the local government website
– sometimes there’s no other alternative. Some doctor’s surgeries now only permit appointments to be booked through their online booking system
Our digital drop in sessions run every Monday from 10:30 until 12:30 in term time and are free and open to all. They return after the Easter Holidays on 18 April.
1 Chris Pope, ‘The Digital Exclusion Risk Index’, The Good Things Foundation,
<https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/what-we-do/news/a-new-tool-in-your-toolbox-the-digital-exclusion-risk index>
2 Andrew Capstick, ‘Energy Direct Debits Help’, <https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy direct-debits>- you need to apply for a job. The days of applying for a job by post are virtually over. For job-seeking and submitting job applications IT knowledge is a must