Digital Inclusion Scheme at Plymouth Community Homes
09 February 25
As part of our Health and Housing Project in partnership with Livewell Southwest, we are continuing to develop our Digital Inclusion Scheme to support our residents who are digitally excluded.
The scheme aims to support residents to get online, provide them with devices and/or data, enable digital access to health services and online wellbeing resources and provide digital support to help improve skills and confidence.
The Digital Inclusion Scheme was established in year one of the Health and Housing Project, where 68 residents were supported. 59 devices were provided, which includes basic phones, smart phones and tablets, as well as laptops, with five laptops being donated to local community groups.12 group digital support sessions were also held at Plumer House.
In year two of the partnership, Matt, Digital Inclusion Worker joined Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) to support the delivery of the scheme and to enhance our ability to deliver more comprehensive support, including much needed 1-1 assistance in the homes of our residents.
During the second year, 159 referrals have been received for the scheme, and we have provided 102 devices to our residents (to date). Over 120 residents have also been supported through group digital support sessions, delivered at Plumer House, as well as in our Housing with Support Schemes and in key community locations.
The scheme continues to empower residents to overcome barriers to online access and reduce digital exclusion, building on the work of our Communities Team in providing access ton digital support to enable residents to improve their online skills (Learn for Free). The support provided by the Digital Inclusion Worker includes guidance on accessing health services online, completing e-consults and promoting the health and wellbeing resources.
We spoke to our residents who have benefited from the scheme, they said:
Hear more from Margaret here:
The scheme is open to residents who may be experiencing digital poverty and feel digitally excluded, and do not have access to equipment and lack in digital skills and confidence.
If you would like to be referred into the scheme, or want to find out more information, please contact your local housing team or email healthandhousing@pch.co.uk.
