The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has launched a volunteer training programme to promote digital inclusion across the city-region.
The Digital Champion programme will involve community volunteers providing residents with support and advice to help improve digital literacy and give them the confidence to use technology safely.
It has been developed with current digital champions and will provide long term support for the volunteers.
The programme will provide standardised training for around 170 champions already volunteering across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, to help them confidently support residents, new community volunteers and each other.
It is a cross-sector collaboration between GMCA’s Digital Inclusion Action Network, telecoms provider Cellnex and Stockport community organisation Starting Point. Funding will come through a £30,000 investment from Cellnex, and Starting Point will lead delivery of the 12-month bitesize training programme.
Building confidence
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “In an increasingly digital world this means anyone, regardless of age or background, should have the opportunity to build their digital skills and confidence.
“Our Digital Inclusion Action Network is committed to tackling the digital skills gap in our region and empowering our workforce and volunteers, so no one is left behind in this digital age.
“By addressing the digital skills gap we can help more people into good work, we can help them find activities in their community to keep them healthy and happy, and we relieve pressures on other services so that these in turn can help more people.”
GMCA has already made progress in digital inclusion through the Digital Inclusion Action Network, which has brought Starting Point together with local authorities to provide standardised training.
