Coventry City Council’s digital inclusion team, #CovConnects, have been working in partnership with Vodafone to provide in person support to residents in need of connectivity.
Alongside Vodafone, the team recently visited residents at Holbrooks Community Centre during their weekly social supermarket, supporting people then and there with any digital related questions.
As well as skills support, on the day #CovConnects and Vodafone supported residents to access free, unlimited connectivity in the form of MiFi units, which are available through the #CovConnects Device Bank.
MiFi units are small, portable devices which allow people to use 4g/5g units to connect to the internet. Each of the units comes with 2 years’ worth of unlimited data enabling residents to connect to the digital world. The mi-fi devices and sim cards have been provided thanks to the Council’s ongoing partnership with Vodafone.
The Device Bank supports organisations across the city to access digital devices. These devices are used by these groups to help support residents in their everyday lives allowing the most vulnerable in the city to complete everyday task such as online banking, filling our job applications and accessing vital NHS services.
Funding for the MiFi units came from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Michelle Williams, Project Worker at Holbrooks Community, told us:
“Having no access to Wi-Fi can be a huge barrier for some of residents. We quite often have people accessing our centres just so they can use the Wi-Fi. This could be to make contact with a prospective recruiter, access their universal credit account or even to speak with an energy supplier. When prioritising bills. The internet bill is quite often the one that doesn’t end up being paid, making way instead for food or energy costs.”
“Being able to give out these Mi-Fi units to those who really need it could literally change the trajectory of someone’s life. Whether it be getting that job, not being sanctioned by DWP or simply getting some much needed social interaction.”
Ben Elliott, a Senior Account Manager at Vodafone, said:
“It was a fantastic day supporting the residents of Holbrooks alongside #CovConnects. Witnessing first hand the impact of providing free, unlimited connectivity through the MiFi units was truly rewarding. Knowing we're helping people access vital online services and bridge the digital divide in Holbrooks is something Vodafone is incredibly proud to be a part of.”
Learn more about accessing Mi-Fi connectivity units from the #CovConnects Device Bank on this page of the Council website.
#CovConnects is Coventry City Council’s digital inclusion programme. It aims to support residents on their digital journeys, working in partnership with organisations both locally and nationally, improving access for all.