Digital Champion Project Seeks Volunteer Digital Champions for new digi-PAL project
6th November 2018
Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership is seeking volunteers to be part of its digi-PAL project to encourage people across the Council area to improve their digital skills.
The internet is quickly becoming the standard way of delivering all types of business, goods and services and it is increasingly becoming a way of keeping in touch with family and friends. However, there are many people that can’t share in these benefits – because they do not have the skills, don’t have the access or don’t have the confidence to get online. These people risk being left behind. Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) wishes to address this ‘digital exclusion’ through the implementation of the digi-PAL initiative.
Digi-PAL will recruit and train up to twenty volunteers to offer informal advice, information and support to adults in the community who either want to get online and learn how to use a computer for the first time or improve their confidence with the basics. Assistance will be provided in a one to one basis or group support in a relaxed, informal environment at mutually agreed venues. Volunteers will support participants to access digital training and raise awareness of the benefits of getting online.
Cllr Allan Rainey MBE, PCSP Chairperson, said,
“How people live is changing. Many aspects of day to day life are now done entirely digitally, whether keeping in touch with relatives or applying for jobs. As a PCSP we want to make sure that not only can everyone participate in this changing world but that they can do so safely minimising the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. Many people can manage by themselves, but it’s vital we support those who cannot. Volunteers don’t need to be IT experts, just have the enthusiasm to support others to learn”
For further information on the project or to become a volunteer, please contact Carol Follis, PCSP Manager at carol.follis@fermanaghomagh.com or 0300 303 1777.