Digital support
Digital support
Our digital strategy strongly focuses on digital inclusion and skills. We have created a framework of support for local organisations to offer support for residents’ online skills and resources.
Are you looking for support to improve your digital skills?
We want to share our digital knowledge to help residents learn, grow and discover digitally.
Whether you're a complete novice and want to start with the basics, can do a little but want to know more, or just need advice on how to help others, we're here to support you.
This includes help with:
- Accessing the internet and email
- Keeping in touch with your friends and family
- Managing your money
- Searching for jobs and completing online applications
- Learning more about the things that interest you
- Registering for MyAccount
- Supporting your less digitally confident friends, family or neighbours.
How can we support you?
TechMates - Telephone support to get online
We provide one-to-one basic digital support over the telephone to those residents who are unable to leave their homes. We can help you use digital technologies such as smartphones, tablets, computers or laptops so you can build your digital confidence.
· Request digital support from our TechMates
TechMate Tea Parties
Visit one of our TechMate Tea Parties - a free drop-in session for anyone looking for support with basic digital skills. Ideal for beginners and no need to book, just turn up.
The Tea Parties will be attended by TechMate volunteers. Bring your own device or one can be provided to introduce you to the world of digital.
Are you a care leaver?
We want to support care leavers with the digital skills, devices and connectivity needed to get online and benefit from the digital world.
· Digital support for care leavers and how to apply
Do you want to help someone get online?
If you're helping a member of your community get online, we encourage you to offer digital support over the phone.
Top tips to remember:
Take things at a steady pace - Check out step by step online guides such as Citizen Online (external link) or Digital Unite (external link)
Use descriptive language when explaining things - For example, try to describe where a learner needs to click on a screen and avoid using technical jargon
Practice what has been learned - For example, after going through the basics of making a video why not try making and receiving calls
Be patient - The biggest barrier to learning digital skills is confidence. Reassure them that making mistakes is OK and it’s how we all learn.
Need free access to computers and WiFi?
We offer free access to computers and WiFi in Wigan Libraries
· Find your nearest library and view opening times.
Further support in the community
We work with several local community organisations and charities across the borough to deliver a wide range of courses and learning opportunities to our residents for all ages.
· Learn about the Digital Communities Partnership.