Technology is evolving all the time but keeping pace can be a challenge. The council’s team of digital champions is here to help.
While some people are excited by new technology, the rapid move to doing more things online is a worry for others. It can leave some people feeling isolated or vulnerable.
But help is at hand. Ealing Council has put together a team of trained, dedicated ‘digital champions’, who are there to help you get online.
The council is working with Citizens Online, a national digital inclusion charity, to improve residents’ basic digital skills and to build their confidence to use the internet to access opportunities and services across the borough.
How do I get help?
Anyone living in the borough can call a free helpline on 0808 196 5883. You will be put in contact with a digital champion, who will be able to train you remotely, either online or via the telephone, whichever is most appropriate. The training is completely free.
You can get help with a wide range of basic digital skills including:
• Navigating a device including tablets and mobile phones
• Setting up an email account
• Searching for information on the internet
• Using communication tools like Zoom and Facetime
• Signposting to hobbies, interests and support.
The champions will work with you, at your own pace, to help you gain confidence going online and being able to find things out for yourself, learn new skills, shop and place orders and transact with the council and other businesses.
Helping create resilient communities
The internet can seem intimidating, especially to someone who has never been online before.
Making transactions online for the first time can be nerve-wracking, especially for new internet users, so it is important that there is help available to offer guidance and reassure residents how to use online portals confidently and safely.
This initiative is part of the council’s wider digital programme. By giving residents the skills needed to digitally empower themselves, the aim is to contribute towards building more resilient communities while also reducing the reliance on face-to-face public services.
Services including council tax, business rates, housing rents and repairs have been launched using My Account, making it easier, faster and more convenient for residents to engage and transact with the council. More services will be added later this year.
