A project to increase connection for vulnerable people and minority groups in West Essex

This exciting new two year project is intended to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-10 pandemic across West Essex, through loss of income, illness, need to self-isolate and who have limited or no access to digital devices/data in order to be able to access services such as employment support, skills for life, online shopping, banking, socialising and health interventions and appointments.

The project intends to address four key elements of digital exclusion:

• Lack of recognition of being “in need” or digital inclusion support;
• Lack of access to digital services;
• Lack of access to affordable digital connectivity, mobile and fixed broadband;
• Lack of access to the digital skills needed for life and for work;

The project will be working in close partnership with key statutory and VCS agencies across West Essex who support marginalised and vulnerable groups, to ensure there is widespread knowledge of its existence and easy referral routes in.

The project will also be playing a particular emphasis on providing tailored support to access digital for people experiencing poor mental health and those from minority ethnic communities.

We have commissioned the development of a purpose built digital platform that will enable people to donate and receive donations of equipment and data and that will enable us to provide training and skills development resources, as well as a volunteer management and coordination system.

For further information on this exciting new project please contact Ali Firth – Digital Inclusion Project Lead on 07578 665659 or by emailing ali.firth@westessexcan.org