Become a #CovConnects Embedded Digital Champion

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

You are:

  • Passionate about supporting people to access digital
  • Working within a specific Coventry organisation or service

Next steps

  • Book onto an onboarding session to get started!

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. Upcoming dates to be confirmed.

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

Upcoming lunch and learn sessions to be confirmed.

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 drop-in sessions

Location

Day

Time

WATCH Centre, CV1 5LZ

Mondays

10am – 12noon

Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre, CV2 1EA

Tuesdays

1pm – 3pm

Holbrooks Community Care Association, CV6 4DE

Fridays

1pm – 3pm

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.

Digital skills sessions

Location

Day

Time

Broadway, Earlsdon, CV5 6NS.

Tuesdays

1pm – 3pm

Broadway, Earlsdon, CV5 6NS.

Wednesdays

1pm – 3pm

Broadway, Earlsdon, CV5 6NS.

Thursdays

10am – 12noon

Broadway, Earlsdon, CV5 6NS.

Fridays

10am – 12noon

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

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.

Trusted resources for staying safe online

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.