Sharing a few digital events, training and updates

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Dear colleagues,

Hope you're all keeping well. 

We have a few things to share that you might be interested in:

Small Charity Week (24-28 June 2024)

Small Charity Week will be back in June! This year, there is an online digital and technology Q&A happening on 25 June, where you'll be able to ask questions and get them answered by leading industry experts. Find out more and sign up here: Digital and technology in charities: Your questions answered

Be sure to also check out Small Charity Week's event page to find other online activities that are happening that week.

Birmingham City Council Device Bank

The BCC is still accepting applications for their Device Bank. Successful applicants can apply for up to 20 devices as an organisation to give to citizens. If you have previously applied, you can apply again and the team will review your application.

Please note the following:

  • The Device Bank repurposes digital devices used by the council and makes them available for free for charities and community groups in Birmingham. The devices include:
    • Laptops with power adapters
    • Desktops with monitors, keyboards and mice
  • All devices are refurbished. There will be no operating system installed on the digital devices you receive. This means that you or the recipient will have to install an operating system on the device before they can use it.

Find out more and apply at their website: Birmingham Device Bank programme

We also have a list of digital support resources listed on the Digital NNS website, which includes where to get free or low-cost devices. Check out the list here: Digital support across Birmingham and the UK

AbilityNet in-person digital skills training for over 65s in Birmingham

AbilityNet are running in-person digital skills training for over 65s in Birmingham.

  • Event dates: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th June
  • Time: 11am to 1pm
  • Venue: BT building at Snowhill Offices

The sessions will be delivered in English; however, the trainer can also converse in Potwari, Urdu and Punjabi to assist learning.

Pease check out the AbilityNet website to find out what the sessions will cover: https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-tech-support-and-info/digital-skills-training-people-over-65

If you would like to sign up for yourself or a citizen, please contact Rob McLean at digitalskills@abilitynet.org.uk with your name and a contact number.

AgeUK Report - Offline and Overlooked: Digital exclusion and its impact on older people

AgeUK has released a report on digital exclusion and its impact on older people. You can read the report here: Offline and Overlooked: Digital exclusion and its impact on older people

Digital NNS believes that providers should always provide an alternative to online services for those who cannot or do not want to use the internet, and prefer face-to-face or telephone contact. If providers do not offer alternatives, they are increasing the possibility of digital exclusion.

Other relevant coverage on this:

·                  https://www.independentliving.co.uk/industry-news/digital-exclusion/

 

·                  https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/age-uk-caroline-abrahams-government-wifi-english-b2520421.html

Digital Poverty Alliance's 2024 National Delivery Plan Unveil Event

Join Digital Poverty Alliance as they unveil their 2024 National Delivery Plan. The event will comprise insightful discussions, keynote speeches, and panel debates around digital poverty.

Event details:

Additional reading on digital technology and inequality: Developing digital inclusion networks and tackling digital inequalities: Policy Brief

This email has been sent to CDSN members, NNS teams, and the BCC P&C team. Feel free to circulate to your assets or other colleagues who may find it useful.