Staying connected
Our commitment to digital inclusion took centre stage on Wednesday 13 August in a discussion on how technology can bring communities together.
Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Digital Inclusion Manager, Louis Walton was a guest speaker on BBC’s Naga Munchetty Radio 5 Live programme.
Telephobia vs technophobia
Louis Walton, who began his career with the council as an apprentice and specialises in digital inclusion, was invited to talk about digitally connecting our community.
The discussion focussed on telephobia – a fear or reluctance to make or answer telephone calls – something many young people struggle with and Technophobia – fear, dislike, or avoidance of new technology, often experienced by older people.
Power UP!
Louis spoke about how EFDC is helping different generations to use tech through its Power UP! Epping Programme – a community project that relies on collective input to make a difference.
Our Power UP! Epping programme offers 1-2-1 support at the Epping Community Hub at the Civic Offices in Epping every Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Visit the Power UP! website to find where digital support is available in other areas of the district.
Every contribution makes a difference
Our Power UP! programme encourages people to donate unused hardware for reissue, volunteer as digital champions to support others in developing digital skills and support those who need to overcome their fear of technology.
Every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone in our community can thrive in the digital age.
Louis Walton, Team Manager for Customer Services & Digital Inclusion
Intergenerational skill sharing
As part of Power UP, plans for an intergenerational scheme linking residents of the council’s independent living schemes with young people from Epping Forest Youth Council to share skills are being explored.
This aims to help younger people become more confident in using the telephone and helping to relieve some of the fear of using the internet for older people.
Connected Britain
Mr Walton will also be showcasing the Epping programme at a national conference in London next month. Connected Britain at the Excel Centre on 24 and 25 September will:
- Explore barriers to reliable internet access and connected devices in social housing including within multi dwelling units
- Examine the impact of poor connectivity on residents’ access to services, employment, and education
- How the government, councils, housing associations, and developers can use technology to meet residents’ needs – and embed it in future social housing plans
Empowering and exciting
Discussions like this are so important to be a part of. They highlight how our use of technology is consistently changing and that it’s not just one generation who shies away from certain elements of it.
Sharing skills and knowledge with people is empowering and learning something new is exciting. We understand that sometimes asking for help can seem embarrassing or awkward. Projects like Power UP! Epping help ease those feelings, giving people more confidence and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
Councillor Smruti Patel, Cabinet Member for Transformation
Want to know more?
For more information on digital support contact Voluntary Action Epping Forest:
- Email communityhub@vaef.org.uk
- Call 07529 222655
If you want to get involved, through donating hardware or acting as a volunteer digital champion, visit the Power UP Epping website.
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