Digital skills - Print version

Become a #CovConnects Embedded Digital Champion

Do you want to learn more about supporting people in their digital journey? Become an Embedded Digital Champion!

Embedded Digital Champions

A Digital Champion is a patient and effective communicator, committed to empowering people to feel confident with using digital in a way that is meaningful to them. We believe there is great power in people who are already working within organisations or services adding Digital Champion skills to their existing skill set. The ‘embedded’ style of Digital Champion has the following benefits:

• Existing trust and rapport between Digital Champions and residents.
• Familiarity with specific demographics and types of support needed.
• Ability to provide support in familiar surroundings/locations where people feel comfortable.

Although some digital confidence is useful, you don’t need to be an expert – more important is enthusiasm and a willingness to persevere and work with someone to find a solution that works for them. The aim is to empower people to feel confident to do it themselves.

Once you have been onboarded, you will be able to incorporate this into your existing work, so no extra time commitment is needed. Optional upskilling opportunities will be available, which will be shared through the #CovConnects newsletter.

How to sign up

We’d love to invite you to take part in one of our onboarding sessions for Digital Champions. The sessions are 90 minutes long and take place every month, on a variety of days and times.

If you are unable to make the dates currently listed, or if you have a whole team of people you would like to become Embedded Digital Champions and would be interested in a separate session, contact DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk] to discuss options.

Benefits of becoming an Embedded Digital Champion

• Build on your understanding of Digital Champion skills
• Increase your understanding of digital inclusion and health inequalities
• Form a stronger network with people working towards similar goals and experiencing similar challenges
• Reflect on the diversity of Coventry and how it applies to the people you are working with
• Access ongoing support and opportunities to upskill

The Embedded Digital Champions programme is aimed at:

• Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations
• People working in the NHS
• Banks, schools and other frontline workers
• Coventry City Council services

If you have a whole team of people you would like to become Embedded Digital Champions, contact DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk] to discuss options for a separate session.

Lunch and Learn sessions

You will then be able to access a programme of optional “lunch and learn” style sessions to aid you in developing your skills further. These take place monthly, on topics such as:

• Designing your own posters/slides on Canva
• Supporting people with the NHS app
• Digital accessibility
• Supporting people with English as an additional language

Further support

Email DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk] to find out more, or to arrange an informal chat with one of our team about becoming an Embedded Digital Champion.

Face-to-face support

How to access digital support and signpost others.

Community digital drop-in sessions

There are 3 weekly digital drop-in sessions taking place in Coventry, where people can access informal 1:1 support with skills such as:

• Online shopping
• Setting up an email address
• Using the NHS app
• Practice using a mouse and keyboard
• Using a search engine effectively
• Getting to grips with a smartphone

Digital skills sessions with Age UK

The Gilbert Richards Centre hold digital skills sessions every week, open to anyone hoping to learn some IT skills and socialise in a welcoming environment.

You can contact 024 7667 2911 for more information.

Adult Education

There is a wide range of free digital skills courses available across the city provided by the Coventry City Council Adult Education Team. To browse the courses and sign up, access the Adult Education web page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education] and choose ‘courses,’ then select ‘ICT’ from the drop-down menu.

For further information and support contact Adult Education on 024 7697 5200 or email: feedback@covaded.org [mailto:feedback@covaded.org]

Find support using the #CovConnects Map

The #CovConnects Map shows where you can access free digital support in your area. From free SIM cards with data thanks to the National Databank, to in-person skills sessions and more. There is something for everyone on the map. You can view the #CovConnects Map online now. [https://padlet.com/covconnectsdigital/covconnects-venue-map-jah7wq5hx76lbmuh]

Further support

Email DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk] to find out more, or to arrange an informal chat with one of our team.

Digital skills resources

Extra resources and practice

• Barclays Digital Wings [https://digital.wings.uk.barclays/]: Sign up as a Barclays Digital Champion [https://digital.wings.uk.barclays/barclaysdigitalchampions/] for self-guided modules on staying safe online, effective communication, active listening and more. Use the code ‘COVCC’ when prompted. Once your registration has been confirmed, you will be able to log into your account and navigate to the Digital Learning page, [https://digital.wings.uk.barclays/courses/?tabs=tab-1] select ‘Start your Digital Champions journey’ and access your toolbox. You can also share your impact [https://digital.wings.uk.barclays/surveys/share-activity/] as a way to shout about all the brilliant work you are doing. ‘Our mission is to help you become a force for good in your community or organisation, helping bring to life the essential digital skills others need to thrive in the digital world around us. Working alongside other Digital Champions, you'll support the UK's digital inclusion initiatives or your organisation's need to embed a digital first culture.’
• Learn My Way [https://www.learnmyway.com/]: A range of accessible digital courses supporting basic digital skills such as setting up an email address, managing your device, accessing public services and health services, and more. Gain full access to all courses on the Learn My Way website by registering for a free account.
• Digital Unite [https://www.digitalunite.com/technology-guides]: A collection of 400+ digital guides across a wide range of subjects, including a selection of EasyRead guides.
• Age UK [https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security/]: A range of step-by-step guides including how to get started, staying safe online and how to use social media.
• AbilityNet- My Computer My Way [https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/]: AbilityNet empowers disabled and older people to access digital technology at home, in work and at school. In addition to many digital guides, ‘My Computer My Way’ provides individual step-by-step guides on how to adapt technology to meet individual needs.
• SCVO Skills Check Up [https://skills.checkup.scot/]

Checkups to allow you to measure your digital skills

They should take no longer than ten minutes to complete. When you are finished you can choose to have your results emailed to you.

• Foundation skills check up [https://skills.checkup.scot/foundation]
• Life skills check up [https://skills.checkup.scot/life]
• Work skills check up [https://skills.checkup.scot/work]

Trusted resources for staying safe online

• Learn My Way- Online safety module [https://www.learnmyway.com/explore-the-subjects/safety-and-security-online] - An accessible e-learning module supporting you to keep yourself, your personal information and your device safe online.
• UK Safer Internet Centre [https://saferinternet.org.uk/] - A wealth of resources and guidance for supporting children and young people to stay safe online.
• Get Safe Online [https://www.getsafeonline.org/] - Resources covering a wider range of online safety subjects, with support for both individuals and businesses.
• National Cyber Security Centre [https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-families] - Guidance for individuals and families on how to access technology safely
• Online safety for children [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/onlinesafety] - adopting safe practices while online
• Cyber Aware - National Cyber Security Centre [https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home] - link to a handy tool to get a cyber action plan

Further support

Email DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:DigitalChampions@coventry.gov.uk] to find out more, or to arrange an informal chat with one of our team.