Affordable housing provider Orbit has joined the National Digital Inclusion Network as part of its work to support more customers to access the internet and develop their digital skills.
The network, which is run by the charity ‘The Good Things Foundation’ aims to bring together community organisations to tackle digital exclusion by delivering data, devices and digital skills training to those who need it.
Through its Better Days programme, Orbit offers customers free support on a range of health and wellbeing issues including tools and resources for people who need extra help to get online.
In partnership with Barclays Digital Wings, Orbit has trained 14 colleagues and volunteers as Digital Champions to offer customers face-to-face support at Independent Living Schemes and Customer Hubs on key topics including how to choose and set up a device, recognise and avoid scams, connect with people on social media and online shopping. Orbit customers have also been provided with digital grants in order to purchase devices such as laptops and tablets.
Via Orbit’s membership of the National Inclusion Network, customers struggling with the costs attached to accessing the internet will be able to obtain free mobile data.
Cherise Palmer, Employability and Skills Lead for Orbit said: “With digital technology continuing to transform our lives from how we work and communicate to how we spend our spare time, it’s becoming increasingly important to break down the barriers that are preventing people from accessing digital services. We hope that being part of the National Digital Inclusion Network will support our work to help customers navigate this increasingly digitally-led world and unlock the many benefits that being online offers when it comes to helping people with employment, education and health.”